Air Mauritius Chairman Quits, Citing ‘Political Pressures’

Kishore Beegoo has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Mauritius (MK), citing what he described as “political pressures”.

The shock announcement was conveyed by Mr. Beegoo to the airline’s staff via a message this Thursday, October 23. In the brief communication, he stated that he must stand by his values and that, in light of these pressures, he felt obliged to step down.

Context and Immediate Aftermath

The resignation comes just one day after Mr. Beegoo indicated he still enjoyed the support of the Prime Minister and had spoken positively about the national airline’s positive financial results.

Mr. Beegoo faced the press shortly following the announcement:

The core of Kishore Beegoo’s press conference was a fundamental conflict of “principle” and direct opposition he faced from Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger.

Beegoo, who inherited the national airline in an “extremely difficult situation” ten months ago, stated at an afternoon press briefing that he would not follow directives from politicians that compromise his integrity or the company’s well-being.

“I have principles. There are things politicians tell you to do and you do not… I never work for any politician’s ‘boss’,” Beegoo asserted.

He added, “If I am asked to make decisions that are not in the company’s interest, it is not right.”

The former Chairman specifically deplored remarks made about him by Deputy Prime Minister Bérenger, claiming the Deputy Premier “does not like my face.”

Beegoo claimed that while the Leader of the Opposition and the MSM party “did not put a spoke in our wheels,” it was the Deputy Prime Minister who “put a spoke in our wheels.”

Source: Defi Media / Press Conference