Mauritius: Thousands March in Solidarity with Gaza, Denouncing ‘Ongoing Genocide’

Under a blanket of twilight on Friday, Port Louis’s central Khadafi Square was transformed into a sea of Palestinian flags and the flickering lights of mobile phones, as a massive, diverse crowd gathered for a “March for Humanity” to denounce the violence in Gaza.

The demonstration, organised by the Mauritian Platform for Palestine, drew citizens of all ages—children, students, the elderly, and families—united in a powerful display of solidarity. Chants of “Free, Free Palestine!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” echoed through the streets, channeling what participants described as profound outrage at the humanitarian crisis unfolding overseas.

The march, tightly managed by law enforcement, proceeded with a disciplined yet fervent atmosphere. It culminated in a solemn vigil where attendees raised their lit phones like “candles of hope” in a gesture of collective mourning and determination.

Situation in Gaza: ‘An Odious Crime’

The event featured impassioned speeches from the highest levels of Mauritian leadership. SME Minister Adil Ameer Meeah, addressing the crowd, called the situation in Gaza an “odious crime.”

“Today, we express our total solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Meeah stated. “What is happening in Gaza touches us deeply. Our presence here is a strong act. We demand an immediate ceasefire.”

Port Louis Lord Mayor Aslam Hossenally echoed the sentiment, calling the mobilization “a demonstration of unconditional support. We are all concerned by this tragedy. The entire world must show solidarity.”

The calls for action moved beyond symbolism when lawyer and figure Rama Valayden issued a direct challenge to the Mauritian government.

“It is time for Mauritius to break its diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel,” Valayden declared. “I call on Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger to join the African nations that have chosen boycott as a means of pressure. It is through boycott that we will end this tragedy and Palestine will regain its freedom.”

The political presence was significant, with several government ministers and officials, including Junior Minister Fawzi Allymun and MP Eshan Juman, noted among the marchers. The crowd also included prominent business figures like Dawood Rawat, former chairman emeritus of the BAI group.

A local imam drew historical parallels, questioning, “After the horrors of the Second World War, how can we still starve children and imprison the innocent? Today, the Mauritian people are rising, marching, and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

For the organizers, the massive turnout was a clear message. Anas Chundoo, one of the march’s coordinators, hailed the mobilization.

“This is the first time we have marched for humanity with such force,” Chundoo said. “The message is simple: Stop the genocide. Save Gaza.”

Source: Defi Media