The scenes of desolation, hostilities and public violence ended with the release of Dominique Seedeeal, aka Darren the Activist. The police did not object to his release on bail. On his release, he called on protesters from all regions to return home. All the roads that were blocked, closed and tagged as dangerous due to hostile protesters are cleared, passable and safe. The 4 DPMs called for general calm in the absence of Pravind Jugnauth. Steven Obeegadoo, Acting PM, spoke of a well-laid plot in the absence of the Prime Minister.
50% of businesses paralyzed on Saturday
It is a relief for the entire population. Calm has been restored and things can start again despite the heavy atmosphere created by the recent hikes. It is important to know that the beginning of the riots on Friday evening paralyzed more than 50% of the shops and private companies. While some did not open for fear of riots, others were understaffed for the day with employees residing in those areas deemed as ‘hot’ on Friday night following angry mobs that created chaos. In addition, the Metro Express could not operate due to debris. Buses were scarce and stations were virtually empty. The fear was palpable until the announcement of the release of the so-called Darren the Activist in the early afternoon.
Release of the Activist
Louis Dominique Seedeeal appeared before the Bail and Remand Court, presided over by Magistrate Arun Rohamally on the following two charges: (1) sedition in contravention of Section 206 (i) (a) (1); 3b (iii) and (2) violation of the Criminal Code Act 2018. He has been released but not without conditions. He is required to report daily to the Grand Bay Police Station between 6am and 6pm. On Monday, April 25, he will have to appear before the Rose-Hill Court to post bail of Rs 15,000 and sign an IOU of Rs 100,000. Thirdly, his social media activities are limited to his Facebook page, Radio Mo Pep. He must refrain from using this page to incite the public to participate in events. He is prohibited from participating directly or indirectly in demonstrations without prior permission from the authorities. In addition, he is subject to a curfew between 9pm and 5am the following day.
Rama Valayden gives all credit to Linion Pep Morisien
On his release, the detainee appealed to the population who campaigned for him from the areas of Camp Levieux, Barkly, Line Barracks, GRNW, Cité Vallijee, Roche-Bois, St Croix, Abercrombie, Mangalkhan and Trou d’Eau Douce, among others, to cease all acts that could be construed as dereliction of duty or hostility. According to the lawyer, the LPM has been successful in the talks for Darren the Activist. Rama Valayden has requested a face-to-face meeting with the Prime Minister to fill the welcome committee that LPM had in store for PM Pravind Jugnauth on his return but was cancelled due to recent events. They should expand on the recent news. The programme was entitled ‘PEP is hungry’. During his public speech, the lawyer took the opportunity to mention a “Communal Strategy” that the government has adopted to respond to the protests about price increases. He also announced that he was confident that these demonstrations would lead the government to lower the prices of commodities.
Illegal gatherings – Rs 100,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment
Through a press release, the police has reminded citizens of the consequences of participating in such a demonstration. Under Section 139 of the Criminal Code Act – Participation in an unlawful assembly, any person, who takes part in an unlawful assembly, being 12 or more persons, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years. The gathering is deemed illegal when the intention is to commit an offence or cause a breach of the peace. This law also involves safeguarding public infrastructures, a penalty against damaging government property. The public is warned!
13 police officers injured in the exercise and three arrests
The Police has faced a tough test during these widespread protests. In a statement, Inspector Shiva Coothen recalled the difficult situations that occurred in Camp Levieux, Barkly, GRNW, Cite Vallijee, Roche Bois, Ste Croix, Abercrombie and Trou d’eau Douce, especially at the Line Barracks. “The illegal demonstrations have caused rising tension leading to acts of vandalism. The police had to use minimal force to disperse the crowd and restore calm. During these incidents, police stations and police vehicles were attacked with Molotov cocktails. Infrastructures such as ‘Safe City Cameras’ were damaged. Projectiles were thrown at police officers, who were providing security. 13 police officers were injured and required emergency treatment. The police arrested 3 demonstrators.” He also asked the public not to pay attention to some of the ‘fake news’ and rumors circulating on social networks. On this particular case of alleged police brutality, Inspector Shiva Coothen suggested, “It is normal to use minimum force in case of resistance”.
General call from politicians for social peace
Messages for peace and calm have been pouring in since Saturday. Former President Cassam Uteem started the ball rolling on the morning of Saturday 23rd April by stating “demonstrating is a right, but beware of chaos“.
Navin Ramgoolam, leader of the PTr, suggested that the government should ease tensions and find a solution to the inflation that has caused this general protest.
Faced with this ‘Generalized Rage’, as described by the leader of the MMM, Paul Bérenger during the press conference of the Platform of l’Espoir, the leader of the Opposition, Xavier Luc Duval announced that benefiting from the support of the four parties of the Opposition, a motion of ʹNo Confidence‘ will be tabled against the government in the National Assembly this Tuesday, April 26 for this motion.
The Rezistans ek Alternativ party also called for the heated spirits to calm down and not cause more trouble. However, Stéphane Gua blamed the government for letting the situation escalate: “the lack of communication and the arrogance of the leaders. Nothing was said by the authorities to calm down the situation “.
The DPMs speak out
They spoke in the absence of Pravind Jugnauth, who is currently on a mission in India. DPMs Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun, Joe Lesjongard, Anwar Husnoo and Steven Obeegadoo held a press conference to this effect. They each condemned the acts of violence and called for general calm. They each explained that Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine have led to a rise in prices worldwide, and that Mauritius is not spared. They said that demonstration is a right, but it must be done in a calm and lawful manner, and not through violence.
The Acting Prime Minister elaborated on the reasons that could have led to these deplorable events: “It is impossible that this violence could have erupted in such a short time. The Molotov cocktail must be prepared in advance and according to our information, everything that happened was not spontaneous. These are things that were prepared, organized and plotted in advance. The people, who were on the streets, were not trade unionists, leaders of neighborhood committees or social workers who are used to dialogue for the good of their local populations. They were people with experience in organizing such public disorder as urban guerrilla warfare and using activists with thick and proven criminal records. They have capitalized on an event, in this case the price rise, to provoke what they have already had in mind for a long time.” The DPM detailed the crises affecting Mauritius, including Covid 19, climate change and the war in Ukraine. He mentioned the preparation of the budget with the parties concerned. “It is unfortunate that the organizers have chosen a time when the Prime Minister is not in the country. When he returns, the work will be to find solutions,” he said.
The President of the Republic and his Vice-President call for calm
Pritvirajsingh Roopun advocated dialogue over protest. “The situation is difficult but I make a solemn appeal for calm. We will find a solution with the economic and social partners.” The Vice President of the Republic, Eddy Boissézon said “Violence is not a solution, it harms the reputation of Mauritius. The Minister of Finances is discussing with all parties to find a solution. We do not have that much money to counter the global situation.”
In the wake of this, Business Mauritius has called for unity and solidarity for the economic advancement of our country. The CEO, Kevin Ramkaloan said that the increase in international prices and the repercussions in Mauritius will be corrected with time but that there are consultations between the State and NGOs to support the most needy.
Socio-cultural associations gathered to plead for social harmony. At a press conference at the Hindu House in Port-Louis, which also brought together the Al Madina Society and the Council of Religions, the representatives invited Mauritians to show compassion and vigilance and not to give in to hatred. In their messages, they made it clear that the arsonists of these events have a political agenda and Mauritians should not allow themselves to be used as bait for such shady interests.
