In Rose-Hill: "We are hurt, but without Paul there is no MMM, no MMM without Paul," confides a long-time militant

It was just past noon when the news of Paul Bérenger's resignation, leader of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), spread through the streets of Rose-Hill. The announcement quickly sent shockwaves through several neighborhoods. Beyond the surprise, a mix of disappointment, anger, and frustration emerged. For many residents, this resignation would mark the end of an era.

At the Rose-Hill bazaar, discussions became heated. Among the stalls, long-time militants expressed their bitterness. Gan Cousenery from Camp Levieux did not hide his anger: "In the past, we encountered fractures. We helped you to run for elections, we voted for you, but it didn’t happen. You should have left with your head held high from the very start." In Stanley, activist Manti Kissoon lamented the lack of consideration for voters: "We voted for you, and now you’ve closed the door and left."

Among the party loyalists, disappointment ran deep. Among them was Vinod Dookhit, a militant since his teenage years. Despite everything, he spoke of his attachment to the MMM while expressing concern for the party's future. "But as a militant, I am sorrowful for the party. Since I was 17, I have always been loyal," he confided, noting that this departure seemed inevitable since last year.

In the town center, near the Sainte-Anne church, a different atmosphere prevailed. Young supporters of the MMM gathered to contemplate the party's future. Despite their disappointment, they wanted to move forward and sought to make sense of this transition alongside Lolo, an old soldier active in the field. He, marked by the events, reiterated his commitment: "Despite our pain, we are proud as militants. Now, Mauritians will see who Paul Bérenger is, his worth in the country and in the political arena. Without Paul, there is no MMM. No MMM without Paul. Those who betrayed him, we know where they have gone."

On the side of the elected officials, emotions were also intense. Keshaw Jhummun, a councilor from Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, wanted to pay tribute to a major figure in Mauritian politics: "He is a great patriot, and it is sad what has happened to him. Those who were with him stabbed him in the back," he emphasized, confirming his solidarity with his leader Paul Bérenger.

Beside him, Vicky Arokeum, another young member, reflected on the leader's integrity and the support that remained strong for him: "I stand with him and we are behind him. He left because he loves his country, because he left with his head held high and clean hands. No one can cast a shadow on him."