Macron’s Mauritius Visit Highlights 3 French Figures with Mauritian Roots

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron in Mauritius will highlight several high-profile political and sporting figures of Mauritian origin who were part of his official delegation, underscoring their influence on the French and international stage.

The most prominent figure is Prisca Thevenot, a rising star in French politics and former government spokesperson under Prime Minister Gabriel Attal from January to September 2024.

Thevenot, a mother of two, was elected a Deputy for Hauts-de-Seine in 2022, securing 65.75% of the vote in the second round.

She currently serves as a member of the Ensemble pour la République group.

Political Power and Deep Roots

Thevenot was born in Strasbourg on 1 March 1985 and grew up in the Paris region, following her Mauritian parents who settled in France in the 1970s.

Despite her career being firmly rooted in France, her ties to Mauritius remain strong.

• She visits the island every two or three years, referring to it as a “refuge country.”
• Thevenot was married in Mauritius and her sons were baptised there.
• The island is also the final resting place of her father.
• Her political work has focused on civic engagement and social cohesion for French youth.

Sporting Icons with a Shared Heritage

Also featured in the spotlight are former French international footballer Vikash Dhorasoo and boxer Samuel Kistohurry, both of Mauritian descent and holders of dual nationality.

• Vikash Dhorasoo is a well-known name in French football, having played for major clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. Since retiring from the pitch, Dhorasoo has become heavily involved in public debate, taking a strong stance against the far-right. In 2008, he supported Bertrand Delanoë in municipal elections and, more recently in 2024, has repeatedly called for a vote against the National Rally, positioning himself alongside the La France Insoumise and the New Popular Front parties.
• Samuel Kistohurry represents France on the international boxing scene. He is a promising Featherweight, having won a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade, a feat he repeated at the 2024 European Championships in the same city, despite having to forfeit the semi-final for medical reasons.
• Kistohurry, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, developed his style from full-contact to English boxing at the Lormont club in Gironde, and now trains at USSAP Boxe under Mohamed Jamaï and Adel Yamhdi.

Source: l’Express