At the Heart of the News: Access to Information at the Center of the Debate in the Fight Against Corruption
On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, observed on Tuesday, December 9, the program "At the Heart of the News" focused on the state of the anti-corruption fight in Mauritius. On set, journalist Patrick Hilbert hosted Laura Jaymangal, Executive Director of Transparency Mauritius, Lalldeo Boodhoo, former Acting Assistant Director of the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), and Étienne Sinatambou, former minister and political observer. Former MP Nita Deerpalsing participated via videoconference.
A clear conclusion emerged: without a genuine Freedom of Information Act, Mauritius will remain limited in this battle.
In 2024, Mauritius scored 51/100 and ranked 56th globally, placing 5th in Africa.
According to Laura Jaymangal, the core issue remains the lack of systemic transparency: "We have structures, institutions, and mechanisms. However, the country fails to reduce grand corruption. Issues like money laundering, fraud, abuse of power, and conflicts of interest are still prevalent."
She emphasized that these crimes are now transnational: "They are no longer purely local crimes. They involve multiple jurisdictions. Without effective access to information, Mauritius is not always equipped to combat them effectively," she pointed out.
Laura Jaymangal believes that a Freedom of Information Act would be a turning point. "Such a law would empower the public, media, and civil society to see, understand, and hold accountable. It would make corruption harder to conceal," she added.
Returning to the institutional architecture, Lalldeo Boodhoo cautioned against superficial reforms. "We started in 2002 with the Prevention of Corruption Act. Then, we changed structures and names. Changing the name of the agency (ICAC and then FCC) does not solve anything. We are just repainting the facade; without transparency, the system does not become more effective," he stated.
He also highlighted the slow progress of cases. "Since the creation of the FCC, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of investigations, but very few convictions. Procedures take too long. By the time a conviction occurs, the money is often already gone. What the public expects is for what was taken illegally to be returned to the state quickly," he argued.
According to Lalldeo Boodhoo, better access to information would facilitate investigations, speed up procedures, and enhance public trust.
For Étienne Sinatambou, "being 56th out of 180 and 5th in Africa is not catastrophic, but it is not satisfactory for a country aspiring to better governance." He pointed out the link between the culture of favoritism and corruption: "Mauritian citizens sometimes feel they can obtain an advantage, whether at the hospital, bank, or social security office. Favoritism is a form of corruption."
Transparency, he argued, would be an effective remedy. "A Freedom of Information Act would allow for verification of decisions, criteria, and appointments. It would make it more difficult to favor someone without objective reasons," he added.
Laura Jaymangal explained that the fight against corruption relies on three key areas, the first being access to information. "We need a law on access to information, real protection for whistleblowers, and clear rules on political party financing," she emphasized.
The second area concerns responsible governance. According to her, awareness in schools, universities, and society remains essential but must be supported by open and transparent institutions.
"We do not combat corruption solely through arrests. It is about strengthening democracy. A strong democracy requires transparency. A Freedom of Information Act has become indispensable," summarized the Executive Director of Transparency Mauritius.