Rama Poonoosamy: "Responsibilities in this Crisis are Shared"

Title: Rama Poonoosamy: "Responsibilities in this Crisis are Shared"

Former MMM activist Rama Poonoosamy reflects on a crisis he views as distinct from previous ones. With internal disagreements, contested leadership, and the decision to remain in government, he discusses shared responsibilities and the potential end of a political cycle.

To understand the current situation within the MMM, Rama Poonoosamy goes 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—driven, he says, by an "anti-capitalist and anti-neocolonial" momentum that would sustainably transform the Mauritian political landscape.

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

However, Rama Poonoosamy refuses to reduce the crisis to a mere rupture. "In politics, as in everything, differences exist, and debate is a sign of healthy democracy," he says. He reminds us that throughout the rich history of the MMM, "contentions have at times led to the rejection of proposals from the party leadership and even the overturning of decisions made."

Today, the configuration is different. Sixteen out of eighteen elected officials chose to remain in government. Paul Bérenger resigned as Deputy Prime Minister. "In this case, a majority has expressed their intention to stay in government and that the Change alliance should not be broken," notes Rama Poonoosamy. "Only one MP stands by him, Joanna Bérenger."

On social media, the term "betrayal" is circulating. References to Brutus and Caesar have flourished. Rama Poonoosamy rejects this narrative. He begins by recalling the historical weight of Paul Bérenger—"one of the founders of the MMM and the only one still in leadership"—who has "done much for the MMM, the GWF, the country, and the Indian Ocean."

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

But he quickly adds: "Like any human being, he also has his flaws and weaknesses." He talks about this habit, reported by party insiders, "of praising people he will not hesitate to insult later, including members of the BP or ministers."

He observes: "Some activists and political observers are surprised by the lack of grace or the rather hostile attitude of certain MMM ministers towards their former leader." Rama Poonoosamy quotes Saint-Exupéry: "There is no luxury greater than human relationships."

Then, he concludes: "It serves no purpose to be excessive. To say, for example, that Rajesh Bhagwan and others are traitors, or that Paul sold out the people after the 60-zero, is not correct. I see that everyone has their reasons and that the majority within the MMM's governing bodies opts for continuity in government."

"Remaining Constructive"

For those who made this choice, one requirement remains, according to him: "Even when staying in government, one must maintain a critical and constructive spirit, take into account certain things that Bérenger denounced, and try to improve the situation." A situation made "even more difficult by what is happening internationally, particularly the war in the Middle East."

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

He poses two questions he leaves hanging: "Did Navin Ramgoolam play a role in all of this? Or do some hide their interests well?"

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