Mauritius becomes 70th signatory of Artemis Accords, seventh African nation to join space exploration framework
via Le Mauricien4 min read
Mauritius has become the 70th signatory of the Artemis Accords, joining as the seventh African nation in this international framework for the peaceful, safe, and sustainable exploration and use of outer space. The accession was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research and the Bureau of African Affairs of the United States Department of State. This agreement is expected to open new avenues for scientific and technological cooperation, aligning with Mauritius' national priorities. This move follows Mauritius' ongoing efforts to develop its space sector, notably since the launch of its first nanosatellite, MIR-SAT1, on June 22, 2021. The country has since strengthened international partnerships and developed the Mauritius Space Strategy 2036, a roadmap for the national space sector's development. The Artemis Accords, based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, promote peaceful, transparent, and responsible space exploration, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among participating nations. Mauritius' adherence is a strategic choice, aiming to solidify its position as a credible and forward-looking actor in space. This integration will provide access to an international network, foster scientific and technological exchanges, and offer essential space data for national priorities such as maritime surveillance, marine ecosystem protection, cyclone monitoring, and climate change resilience. For a sm
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Must ReadOn August 1-2, 2026, the Kolektif Reparasyon Avansman Kreol KRAK, in collaboration with the Cardinal Jean Marg茅ot Institute ICJM, will host nearly 100 experts from the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe in Beau-Bassin, Mauritius. The International Conference on Reparative Justice, titled "Corrective History and Reparations: Restoring Truth, Preserving Memory, and Reclaiming Dignity," aligns with the Accra Global Framework 2026 and UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/250. Dr. Jimmy Harmon, an independent researcher, emphasizes education as a priority strategic pillar for reparations, drawing on the 2011 Truth and Justice Commission TJC Report, Volume 1, Chapter 7. The TJC Report identified the denial of education during slavery 1721-1835 as the most destructive long-term consequence, perpetuating illiteracy and dispossession among descendants. Post-emancipation, education remained vocational, serving employer needs rather than emancipation. The report highlights how forced illiteracy led to massive land dispossession and exclusion from property and political rights, contrasting with the trajectory of Indian indentured laborers. A current challenge for corrective policies is the absence of ethnic data in official censuses, making it difficult to justify affirmative action, despite high rates of school failure in Priority Education Zones where descendants of enslaved people are predominant. Dr. Harmon argues that education is the primary form of reparation becau
A delegation from the International Monetary Fund IMF, led by Augusto Azael Perez, met with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. This meeting is part of a technical mission to the customs department, aimed at streamlining trade, increasing service efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing border protection against drugs, illicit products, and tax fraud. Rohit Ramnawaz, Director General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority MRA, stated that the mission will provide concrete recommendations and support the MRA in their implementation. The government's objective is to establish faster procedures for the economy while implementing stricter controls against traffickers. The IMF delegation also included Stephen Mendes, Aldo Silvano, and Oscar Alberto Nieto Mora.
Must ReadConstable Muhammad Nifaaz Ali Allymamod, 33, an Official Driver with the Very Important Persons Security Unit VIPSU, is suspected of playing a strategic role in an alleged cocaine trafficking network. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU believes the officer was responsible for collecting money from drug transactions, rather than directly handling the drugs. The investigation began when ADSU officers, posing as buyers, met Sheik Mohammad Azhar Soobhun, a 20-year-old cook, in Triolet. Soobhun initially provided approximately 3 grams of cocaine and agreed to a second delivery. Due to his age, ADSU suspected Soobhun was a delivery person and storeman acting under instruction. During the second meeting, Soobhun delivered 345 grams of cocaine and was arrested. An electronic scale with cocaine traces was also seized. Constable Allymamod was apprehended in his car during the same operation, suspected of arriving to collect money from the drug transaction. Police believe Soobhun had a close contact with Allymamod, whose mobile phone with two SIM cards was seized. Searches at Soobhun's home uncovered 16 resealable bags with approximately 20 grams of cocaine, 20 empty drug packaging bags, Rs 1,725 suspected to be drug proceeds, and an iPhone 15. At Allymamod's residence, investigators seized Rs 8,000 and 150 Australian dollars, also suspected to be from drug trafficking. A second search of another of his residences yielded no incriminating evidence. In total, ADSU seized 368 grams of