Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth participated in the debates on the key issues on the agenda of the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly on Saturday, February 17.
Participating in debates on the activities of the Council for Peace and Security in Africa, the Prime Minister thanked the African Union for its unwavering support on the Chagos issue. He has once again appealed to the British government on the need to conclude negotiations urgently and put an end to the last vestiges of British colonialism on the African continent.
He also provided an update on the ongoing negotiations with Britain, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth stressed that Mauritius is participating in the exercise from the outset in good faith, however, he said no concrete progress has been recorded lately and Mauritius is of the opinion that the UK is trying to delay an agreement.
He also says he regrets that Mauritius has recently been subjected to unjustified attacks from Think Tanks, British press and influencers.
PM Jugnauth reiterated his determination to work for a return of Mauritian nationals, in particular, those of Chagossian origin, to the archipelago.
He also met with many heads of State and Government who were present, including the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who became the new President of the African Union at the end of the term of the President of the Union of Comoros, Azali Assouman.
The head of the Mauritian government spoke with the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Discussions focused on possible avenues of cooperation between Mauritius and Central Africa, especially in agricultural, digital, financial services and training.
He also spoke with the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina. President Malgache wishes that trade between the Grande Island and Mauritius reaches a new step in regard to the special economic zone of Madagascar-Mauritius. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Andry Rajoelina have also pledged to consolidate cooperation between Madagascar and Mauritius to counter drug trafficking.
Pravind Jugnauth spoke with the President of the Union of Comoros. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth wanted to congratulate Azali Assoumani on her presidency of the African Union.
The two men discussed several topics common to island states, including adapting to climate change.
There were also talks about strengthening commercial activities between the two islands and possible solutions that could contribute to improving maritime connectivity in the Indian Ocean region.
The PM also had a bilateral meeting with President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi. Discussions focused on consolidation of economic activities between the two countries. Congolese President also spoke about the need for Africa to unite and continue making its voice heard internationally.
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth was also invited, alongside other SADC heads of state and government at the unveiling of a statue in honour of Tanzania’s first President, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, one of the founding fathers of the SADC.
