"Maminiaina Ravatomanga's Lawyers Have Submitted a Request for Him to Leave Mauritius," Says Bérenger

Paul Bérenger, acting Prime Minister, revealed that the lawyers of Malagasy businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga have filed a request for him to leave Mauritius "this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon." "If there is no legal justification to detain him, he will be allowed to leave," he stated during a press conference held on Wednesday, October 15.

The interim government leader also addressed the circumstances surrounding the landing of a private jet from Madagascar on the night of October 11 to 12. On board were former Malagasy Prime Minister Christian Louis Ntsay, businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, their respective wives, and crew members, amid a severe political crisis in the Great Island.

Paul Bérenger expressed his skepticism regarding the justification that the aircraft needed to land in Mauritius due to a lack of fuel. "There was moral pressure, intense pressure (Editor’s note: exerted on Civil Aviation)," he asserted.

He outlined the key events following the landing. According to the information Paul Bérenger has, the passengers were hosted by a Malagasy national who holds a residence permit in Mauritius.

"As soon as I was informed, discreet surveillance was established. At one point, the former Malagasy Prime Minister left the residence to check into a hotel on the west coast," Paul Bérenger said.

An investigation was conducted, but "to our knowledge, he has no investments in Mauritius. And he left with his wife on a commercial flight."

Regarding Maminiaina Ravatomanga, Paul Bérenger confirmed that the businessman is still in Mauritius. "An investigation is ongoing (Editor’s note: conducted by the Financial Crimes Commission). We live in a rule of law and must respect procedures," he insisted.