Yasine Mohabuth , AfricaNews reporter in Port Louis, Mauritius
All six ministers of Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM) in Mauritius have resigned from government. The six, the leader, vice PM and Finance Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, Nandcoomar Bodha (Tourism), Showkutally Soodhun (Industry & Cooperatives), Leela Devi Dookun (Social Security), Santi Bai Maya Hanoomanjee (Health) and Ashit Gungah (Civil Service) resigned after the arrest of Health Minister Santi Bai Maya Hanoomanjee by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
She was arrested under provisional charges of favouritism in awarding a tender for a hospital.
"Hanoomanjee ensured that all measures were taken and directives given for MedPoint Ltd. to be favoured over other bidders,” according to court papers.
MedPoint Ltd belongs to the son -in-Law of the President of that country, Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
According to Pravind Jugnauth an "injustice has been committed against her and we have decided to resign from cabinet to show our solidarity with our colleague, the minister of health, who, according to us, is innocent," Jugnauth told the press.
However he said he is loyal to the 'Alliance de l'Avenir' government and will be mere backbenches asking all MSM advisers and nominees to stay at post.
Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam who is currently on a visit to Britain is kept informed of the latest developments in the country.
Following the resignation of the deputy Prime Minister Rashid Beebeejaun held a meeting on Tuesday afternoon with all members of the Labour Party and the Parti Mauricien Social Democrate (PMSD).
In a press statement, Beebeejaun explained that the aim was to review the current political situation as instructed by Ramgoolam. “The Prime Minister is being kept informed of developments in this matter,” said Beebeejaun.
PMSD leader Xavier-Luc Duval, who is currently on a mission abroad, has reiterated his full support to the Labour Party and the PM.
On the other hand, the leader of the Mouvement Rodriguais Nicolas Von Mally has also assured his full support to the Labour Party.
“The leader of the MSM, Pravind Jugnauth came to me to announce the resignation of all the MSM ministers,” said Beebeejaun.
“He assured me that these resignations shall not affect the Alliance de l’Avenir. He also reiterated his loyalty to the Prime Minister and to the Alliance de l’Avenir,” added the deputy prime minister.
“Provisions have already been made to fill all the vacant ministries with the approval of the Prime Minister. The government is thus operating normally,” reads the statement.
Le Mauricien, an afternoon paper quoted the Prime Minister as saying from London: “I had asked Hanoomanjee to voluntarily submit her resignation letter before leaving for London, but she had refused to do so.”
All six ministers of Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM) in Mauritius have resigned from government. The six, the leader, vice PM and Finance Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, Nandcoomar Bodha (Tourism), Showkutally Soodhun (Industry & Cooperatives), Leela Devi Dookun (Social Security), Santi Bai Maya Hanoomanjee (Health) and Ashit Gungah (Civil Service) resigned after the arrest of Health Minister Santi Bai Maya Hanoomanjee by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
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