🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
National Drug Control Commission holds first meeting, approves 2026-30 Masterplan
via Le Mauricien2 min read
The National Drug Control Commission NDCC held its inaugural meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, marking a significant step in the government's anti-drug efforts. The National Drug Control Masterplan 2026-30 was approved during this meeting, as stated in an official communiqué from the Prime Minister's Office. The NDCC includes eleven ministers whose portfolios are relevant to drug issues, such as Attorney General Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel, and the Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Franceau Grandcourt. The NDCC serves as the central body overseeing the National Anti-Drug Commission NADC. The meeting aimed to introduce the new NADC leadership, assess current actions, and define future steps. Prime Minister Ramgoolam emphasized that the fight against drugs is a national emergency, as outlined in the 2025-29 government program. He advocated for a modern, data-driven, and coordinated approach, highlighting the need for a comprehensive response beyond just repression. Kunal Naik, CEO of the NADC, presented progress from the Technical Working Group on National Cannabis Policy Reform, with a press conference planned to detail its recommendations. Discussions also covered National Stakeholders Consultations to ensure policies are adapted to local realities. NADC Chairperson Nadia Peerun noted the Prime Minister's strong signal in validating the Masterplan, which now tasks the NADC with its implementation. The government's clear commitment t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadThe Ministry of Health services has identified two confirmed cases of Mpox, involving a 46-year-old Mauritian and a 31-year-old Comorian. Both individuals recently traveled to Madagascar, where several Mpox cases have been reported. After initial treatment at Victoria Hospital in Candos and Jeetoo Hospital in Port-Louis, the patients were transferred to Souillac Hospital, which has a specialized isolation unit. The interim Director of Health Services, Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, stated that a medical team is closely monitoring them. The Comorian patient initially left the hospital after being identified as a suspected case but was later located by police and placed in the southern facility. Both patients are in stable condition. As these are imported cases, the Ministry of Health is rigorously tracking them and has initiated contact tracing to prevent further spread. Two additional individuals are currently in isolation. In other public health news, Chikungunya cases have significantly increased, with 1,577 cases recorded from January to April 23, and 90 active cases. The most affected areas include Rose-Hill – Stanley, Camp Levieux, and Plaisance, with the epidemic also progressing towards Quatre-Bornes, Boundary, and Roche Brunes. Leptospirosis has claimed a fourth victim this week, with 16 cases identified since the beginning of the year. The Director of Health Services urged the public to seek medical attention for symptoms and for manual workers, such as sanitation workers, to
Must ReadEleven months after the Chagos Deal was signed, confirming the restitution of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritian sovereignty and marking the final stage of Mauritius' decolonization, London and Port Louis are engaged in an operation to "Keep the Pot Boiling." A British delegation, led by Robbie Bulloch, Director, Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate and Lead Negotiator; Peter Candler, Senior Diego Garcia Treaty Negotiator, Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate; and Paul Mckell, Legal Director, held a working session with the Mauritian side, led by Attorney General Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel. The British officials were also received by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam for an exchange of views. British High Commissioner Paul Brummel accompanied the delegation. A statement from the Government Information Service confirmed that the two delegations discussed the Chagos Archipelago's restitution to Mauritius, with Mr. Bulloch highlighting the need for an agreement to finalize the treaty. The head of the British delegation stated that the meeting with the Prime Minister was an opportunity to exchange views, while recalling that Mauritius and the UK have been working closely for many years. Robbie Bulloch indicated that the key to the deadlock on the Chagos Deal lies with the Americans, with President Donald Trump needing to approve amendments to the Exchange of Notes of December 30, 1966, concerning the Chagos. He also emphasized that "all parties concerned must reach an
Must ReadA joint maritime operation led to the interception of 271 kilograms of drugs, valued at an estimated Rs 3.498 billion, and the arrest of two suspects. The seized narcotics included 121 kg of cocaine, 108 kg of heroin, and 42 kg of cannabis. The operation began on April 9, 2026, after the Regional Coordination Operations Centre RCOC and INTERPOL alerted the Mauritius Police Force to a suspicious vessel in Mauritius' exclusive economic zone. Authorities from Mauritius, La Réunion, and Seychelles, supported by FAZSOI, collaborated in the intervention. The National Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft conducted five sorties to locate the vessel. On April 15, 2026, French authorities intercepted and boarded the target vessel, identified as the MV RULER, where the drugs were discovered. The seized drugs were subsequently destroyed by French authorities, with samples retained for forensic purposes. Domestically, the Mauritius Police Force mobilized units including ADSU, the Maritime Intelligence Cell, and the National Coast Guard's Maritime Air Squadron. On April 16, 2026, two suspects were arrested at sea while attempting to retrieve the cargo. They have been provisionally charged and detained, with additional evidence seized to aid the investigation. This operation highlights strengthened regional cooperation, supported by a recent memorandum of understanding between the Mauritius Police Force and FAZSOI, and aligns with the 2026-2028 strategic plan to combat drug trafficking.
Must ReadSeychelles is enhancing its economic relationship with Russia, with Seychellois President Patrick Herminie inviting a Russian military contingent to the 50th independence anniversary celebrations in June, marking half a century of diplomatic relations. President Herminie met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow at the Grand Kremlin Palace last Wednesday. This meeting occurs as Russia maintains close ties with key allies and some African leaders amidst Western sanctions and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against President Putin. The Republic of Seychelles is looking to Russia to strengthen its commercial links. The discussions between President Herminie and President Putin covered several areas of cooperation, including fisheries, food security, agriculture, tourism, trade, transport, sports, and energy. A particular focus was placed on the fisheries sector, which is a cornerstone of the Seychellois economy, and on reducing import dependence through local agricultural development. Tourism was also a central topic, with Russia being a significant market for Seychelles. Negotiations are underway with Aeroflot to establish regular direct flights between the two countries. The talks also addressed setting up a maritime link to facilitate trade in perishable goods and strengthening sports cooperation, including athlete and coach training. In the energy sector, Seychelles aims to collaborate with Russia to develop renewable energy and decrease reliance on