Opposition Accused of Sabotaging Mauritius’s 5-MP Delegation at Pan-African Parliament

The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, addressed the National Assembly yesterday regarding the country’s participation in the fifth session of the sixth Pan-African Parliament (PAP), held in Midrand, South Africa.

Five Mauritian parliamentarians, appointed to represent the country, were unable to take their oaths because their accreditation requests were rejected by the PAP accreditation committee.

Ramgoolam condemned this decision, calling it an attack on the sovereignty and dignity of the Mauritian Parliament.

He stated, “I cannot accept that our Parliament, which has regained its dignity since the November 2024 elections, be humiliated by such an unjustified and shocking refusal.”

He also announced that he had recalled the delegation and sent an official protest letter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, with copies to the PAP President and Secretariat.

Rejection Based on Protocol Article 4.3

The accreditation was refused due to a perceived violation of Article 4.3 of the PAP protocol. This article requires that representatives reflect the political diversity of their national assemblies.

In his letter, Ramgoolam criticized what he called a misinterpretation of Mauritius’s political situation.

He clarified that after the 2024 general elections, the ruling Alliance of Change won all 60 seats. However, constitutional mechanisms ensure opposition representation through a “Best Losers” system.

Ramgoolam emphasized that Mauritius’s parliamentary composition adheres to democratic principles, and the delegation was appointed following established procedures.

He also pointed out that only one woman, MP Anabelle Savabaddy, was part of the delegation, fulfilling the gender representation requirement of the same article.

Accusations Against the Opposition Leader

Ramgoolam accused opposition leader Joe Lesjongard of directly writing to the PAP to protest the Mauritian delegation’s composition and requesting that it not be accredited.

He called this act “deeply unpatriotic and shameful,” arguing that those who have mocked the country’s democracy now seek to portray themselves as virtuous.

Ramgoolam noted that traditionally, opposition leaders do not participate in international parliamentary delegations.

He mentioned that another opposition MP, Adrien Duval, expressed a preference to be appointed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva rather than attending the South African session.

Additionally, Franco Quirin, an independent MP elected under the Alliance of Change banner, cannot be considered as representing a different political view.

Possible Suspension of Mauritian Participation

Ramgoolam concluded by warning that Mauritius may suspend its participation in the Pan-African Parliament unless a satisfactory explanation is provided.

He called the PAP committee’s attitude “regrettable and condemnable” and reaffirmed Mauritius’s commitment to defending democratic values across Africa.

“This is an insult we cannot accept or tolerate,” he said, recalling Mauritius’s long-standing support for African causes since joining the Organization of African Unity in 1968.

Opposition MP Adrien Duval Rejects Participation

Opposition MP Adrien Duval, representing Port-Louis-Nord–Montagne-Longue, responded to the Prime Minister’s remarks with a “point of order.”

Adrien Duval criticized the statement, saying, “A minister’s statement should not be controversial or accuse other members without basis. I want to clarify: the Prime Minister does not need to include me in any mission. I do not wish to participate in any foreign delegation.”

Duval also pointed out that no consultation was held with the opposition before forming the Mauritian delegation to the Pan-African Parliament, which he considers a breach of parliamentary dialogue principles.

Source: l’Express