Defamation Allegations: Gérard Sanspeur Demands Rs 100 Million from Rama Sithanen
A legal dispute has arisen between Gérard Sanspeur and Rama Sithanen. The former Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mauritius claims that remarks made by the ex-Governor have harmed his reputation and career.
Gérard Sanspeur, the former Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), is suing Rama Sithanen. In a complaint filed on October 15, 2025, in the Supreme Court, he is demanding Rs 100 million in damages from the former Governor for what he considers defamatory statements made during a press conference on August 29, 2025, and during a broadcast on a private radio station on September 5, 2025.
In addition to his claim, Gérard Sanspeur is also requesting that Rama Sithanen issue a public apology for the harm suffered and retract the defamatory statements and erroneous allegations made during these two events. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court on November 6, 2025.
Gérard Sanspeur reflected on the circumstances that led him to leave the Bank of Mauritius. According to him, "troubles began after he refused to meet Amine Bouabid, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Africa, on April 18, 2025, at the request of Tevin Sithanen, son of Dr. Rama Sithanen." The complainant clarifies that it was ultimately the First Deputy Governor of the BoM who met the CEO.
He also denounces a drastic change in Dr. Rama Sithanen's behavior towards him, resulting in a hostile work environment. Gérard Sanspeur claims to have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, and humiliation by the former Governor and his son.
The complainant asserts that Rama Sithanen's comments during the press conference on August 29 have damaged his reputation, emphasizing that he never had the opportunity to respond to the allegations. He states that this intolerable work environment forced him to resign.
Furthermore, Gérard Sanspeur criticizes Dr. Rama Sithanen's statements during a radio program on September 5, 2025, as attempts to ridicule and publicly discredit him while undermining his credibility to prevent him from exposing known misconduct.
In his complaint, Gérard Sanspeur responds to the allegations made by Dr. Rama Sithanen, asserting that he did not participate in any official mission and therefore did not receive any "per diem."
Regarding the meeting on July 17, 2025, at the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC), he denounces a lack of transparency and states that risks associated with Sotravic Ltd were concealed from the Board. His objection prevented the approval of a transaction deemed irregular, which he subsequently reported to the Prime Minister. According to him, Dr. Rama Sithanen's allegations constitute a fault, thereby justifying his legal action.
