Rama Poonoosamy: "The Responsibilities in This Crisis Are Shared"

Title: Rama Poonoosamy: "The Responsibilities in This Crisis Are Shared"

Rama Poonoosamy, a former activist of the MMM party, reflects on a crisis he believes is different from previous ones. Amid internal disagreements, contested leadership, and the choice to remain in government, he discusses the shared responsibilities and a potential end to the political cycle.

To understand what is happening today within the MMM, Rama Poonoosamy traces back to the beginning. On September 12, 1969, an anti-Princess Alexandra demonstration at the roundabout of Saint-Jean in Quatre-Bornes marked the birth of a movement. Young Marxists, unemployed individuals, workers, and intellectuals were all driven, he says, by an "anti-capitalist and anti-neocolonialist" momentum that would permanently alter the Mauritian political landscape.

Since then, the party has faced several crises. "The most significant ones have caused fractures," he recalls. "In 1973, there was the split of MMM-SP; in 1983, the split of MSM; and in 1993, the split of RMM. These often stemmed from irreconcilable political choices, sometimes compounded by ego problems." He also notes that in 1997, when the PTr-MMM alliance broke, "only one MP, Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun, remained with the Labour Party in the government."

However, Rama Poonoosamy refuses to simplify the crisis as just a break. "In politics, as in all things, differences exist and debate is a sign of healthy democracy," he states. He reminds us that during the rich history of the MMM, "contests have sometimes led to the rejection of proposals from the party leadership and even to the overturning of decisions made."

Today, the situation is different. Sixteen out of eighteen elected members have chosen to stay in government. Paul Bérenger has resigned from his position as Deputy Prime Minister. "In this case, a majority has expressed their intention to remain in government and not to break the alliance of Change," notes Rama Poonoosamy. "Only one MP stands by Bérenger, Joanna Bérenger."

On social media, the term "betrayal" is circulating, with references to Brutus and Caesar becoming common. Rama Poonoosamy dismisses this narrative. He begins by emphasizing Paul Bérenger's historical weight—"one of the founders of the MMM and the only one still in leadership"—who has "done much for the MMM, the GWF, and the country and the Indian Ocean."

He discusses Bérenger's contributions to all electoral manifestos since 1970 and his role in constructing successive alliances: as early as 1974, he proposed Anerood Jugnauth as a potential leader of the opposition and "shadow Prime Minister"; in 1993, he proposed an alliance with the PTr and Navin Ramgoolam as "leader of the opposition and potential PM."

But he quickly adds: "Like any human being, he also has his flaws and weaknesses." He mentions a reported tendency, as noted by party insiders, "to praise individuals he will not hesitate to insult later, including BP members or ministers."

He observes: "Some activists and political observers are surprised by the lack of elegance or the somewhat hostile attitude of certain MMM ministers towards their former leader." Rama Poonoosamy quotes Saint-Exupéry: "The only luxury is human relationships."

He then concludes: "It is pointless to be excessive. To say, for instance, that Rajesh Bhagwan and others are traitors, or that Paul sold the people after the 60-0, is not correct. I see that everyone has their reasons and that the majority within the MMM’s bodies opts for continuity within the government."

"Remaining Constructive"

For those who made this choice, one requirement remains, according to him: "Even when remaining in government, it is essential to maintain a critical and constructive spirit, to consider some issues that Bérenger denounced, and to strive to improve the situation." A situation made "even more difficult by what is happening internationally, particularly the war in the Middle East."

Regarding the responsibilities, Rama Poonoosamy does not point fingers. "The responsibilities in the current crisis are certainly shared between Bérenger and the other leaders of the MMM," he asserts.

He poses two questions he leaves unanswered: "Did Navin Ramgoolam play a role in all this? Or are some hiding their interests well?"

Is this the end of a natural biological and political cycle? To this question, he replies: "The future will tell us."