
The 18th US-Africa Business Summit, originally scheduled to take place in Mauritius from July 26 to 29, has been postponed indefinitely. The decision was made following recommendations from the Mauritian government to the Corporate Council on Africa, citing concerns over the Ebola virus, despite no confirmed cases in Mauritius. The summit was expected to attract approximately 2,500 high-level delegates from Africa and the United States. The official approach to the American side was made by the head of diplomacy and the Minister of Industry, Ritesh Ramful and Aadil Ameer Meea. This development follows an official correspondence to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam from the African Union presidency, highlighting the potential risks of the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The African Union noted that the risk of further spread of the virus is significant. In parallel, Brian Glover, the Mauritian diplomatic representative in Geneva, consulted with the Director-General of the World Health Organization regarding the epidemic's risks. The Council of Ministers also noted that the 59th plenary session of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum SADC Assembly, initially planned for July in Seychelles, will now be held exclusively online due to similar health risks. The Ministry of Health has also advised other ministries, departments, and public bodies to limit international events, conferences, workshops, and si
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadThe National Human Rights Commission NHRC in Mauritius has raised concerns about migrant workers facing potential deportation due to their HIV-positive status, detected during mandatory medical examinations for residence and work permits. The NHRC highlights a conflict between Section 51a of the Immigration Act, which allows for the prohibition of entry or stay for non-citizens with infectious diseases, and Section 31 of the HIV and AIDS Act of 2006, which prohibits discrimination based on HIV status. The commission also references Mauritius' international obligations, including the UN General Assembly's Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, and international jurisprudence, such as the European Court of Human Rights' ruling in Kiyutin v. Russia, which deemed the denial of a residence permit based solely on HIV-positive status as discriminatory. The NHRC emphasizes that the presence of people living with HIV does not inherently pose a public health threat and that administrative decisions must be based on individualized assessments. The NHRC urges authorities to take corrective measures to align administrative practices with national legal frameworks and international commitments, aiming to end discrimination, harassment, and distress faced by migrant workers due to their serological status.
Must ReadMauritius is enhancing its health protection measures in response to a resurgence of Ebola cases in parts of Africa. The Council of Ministers has approved exceptional measures to prevent the virus's introduction into the country and maintain a high level of preparedness. Effective June 8, foreign nationals who have resided in, transited through, or traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days will be temporarily denied entry into Mauritius. These restrictions will remain in effect until August 7. Mauritian citizens and holders of work, residence, occupation, business, or student visas will be permitted entry even if they have been in these countries, but they must undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival. The government has also mandated the completion of the All-in-One Travel Form and the Health Declaration Form before boarding for all travel to Mauritius. Enhanced health checks will be conducted at the airport and port, including risk assessments for travelers from affected regions. The SAJ Recreation Centre in Riambel has been designated as the official quarantine center. Anyone exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola virus disease will be immediately isolated and undergo a thorough medical evaluation. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will also strengthen active surveillance and contact tracing to quickly detect any suspected cases. To implement these provisions, several regulatory texts will be promulgated und
Must ReadThe Financial Crimes Commission FCC conducted a targeted search at the home of businessman Hans Manthir Ballah, 46, in Ébène, as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering and financial offenses. Ballah is the nephew of former Secretary to Cabinet Nayen Kumar Ballah and related to the Jugnauth family. During the search, assisted by the Mauritian Police Intervention Group GIPM and the Dog Unit, FCC officers discovered and seized Rs 700,000 in cash, now considered potentially linked to suspicious transactions. A BMW belonging to Ballah was also seized. Additionally, rolling papers and approximately 5g of cannabis were found. Following the operation, Hans Manthir Ballah was taken to FCC headquarters for questioning Under Warning. Investigators suspect his direct involvement in financial offenses, including the purchase of the vehicle with questionable funds, and a provisional charge is likely. Investigators are tracing the origin of the seized funds and examining potential money laundering schemes. Ballah was previously arrested in April 2017 at SSR International Airport with MDMA and charged with unlawful possession under the Dangerous Drugs Act. He pleaded not guilty, claiming he bought the pills in Dubai as a sexual stimulant, unaware they were drugs. The charge was dropped in February 2023. The FCC continues its money laundering investigation, while the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit is handling the cannabis seizure aspect.