Mauritian President’s resignation requires thorough investigation

Following the resignation of President Ameena Gurib Fakim of Mauritius over the scandal around her personal use of a charity credit card, Transparency International urges the Mauritian government to ensure an effective commission of enquiry and take heed of its recommendations. The government must demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption in Mauritius.

While in office Mrs Fakim reportedly spent US$27,000 on jewellery and clothes using a credit card provided to her by Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an NGO set up by Alvaro Sobrinho, an Angolan businessperson. Mr Sobrinho is reportedly the subject of corruption investigations in other countries.

The former president stated that she used the card by accident. According to PEI, following the incident, Mrs. Fakim refunded the organisation for the amount spent.

On Friday 23 March, following Mrs Fakim’s resignation, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced the formation of a new commission of enquiry to investigate the events that led to the resignation of Mrs Fakim and Alvaro Sobrinho's investments in Mauritius. The prime minister also urged the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to initiate an investigation into Sobrinho’s investments in Mauritius.

Transparency International welcomes this call for effective scrutiny. Along with other civil society organisations, Transparency Mauritius insists that a properly mandated and resourced commission of enquiry be established in order to bring all the facts of the affair to light.

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