[Discontent within the MSM] Between resignations, scandals, and distrust

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Sudheer Maudhoo, the former Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, and Fisheries, officially submitted his resignation letter from the Mauritian Socialist Movement (MSM), effective immediately. He thus relinquishes all his roles and responsibilities within the party.

This resignation comes at a particularly sensitive time for the MSM, marked by an announced restructuring following its electoral defeat in November 2024. Although Maudhoo claims that his decision is based on personal reasons, many observers see it as a sign of deeper unrest within the political formation.

A few days later, Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah, the former Minister of Gender Equality, also resigned from the MSM after being implicated in a theft case. This ongoing case has generated public outrage, further destabilizing a party already in turmoil. The MSM leadership has not yet officially commented on this latest departure.

Increasingly, voices are rising to highlight the weakening leadership of Pravind Jugnauth, who has remained at the helm of the MSM despite the upheavals, and whose authority now seems undermined by a series of scandals, both internal and external.

Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister, was arrested in February 2025 as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering. Searches led to the seizure of approximately Rs 114 million in cash, along with luxury watches and other valuable items.

He was released on bail on February 16, 2025, after posting two bail amounts of Rs 750,000 each, along with an acknowledgment of debt of Rs 5 million. He is also subject to several conditions: a ban on publicly commenting on the case and a requirement to reside at a fixed address.

This highly publicized case has dealt a serious blow to the MSM's image, which was already suffering from a series of post-electoral revelations pointing to serious irregularities in public finance management during the last term of the ruling party.

The MSM is also experiencing a growing loss of credibility among the public. The "Missie Moustass leaks" scandal, which occurred shortly before the elections, and the temporary suspension of social media during the November 2024 elections, have sparked widespread discontent and accusations of infringing on freedom of expression.

The resignations of Sudheer Maudhoo and Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah go beyond mere personal withdrawals: they symbolize a climate of widespread distrust within the MSM and highlight the urgent need for deep renewal.

The judicial case surrounding Pravind Jugnauth exacerbates an already tense atmosphere, heightening the perception of a party losing its bearings, plagued by controversies and currently unable to clearly envision its future.

New resignations could occur in the coming days.