MMM: "Purge" After the Central Committee
The series of dismissals decided by the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) following the central committee meeting on Saturday, April 18, marks a turning point for the party. Fourteen municipal councillors, sixteen central committee members, and five political bureau members have been ousted.
The MMM's decision to revoke several members indicates that the leadership aims to restore order within its ranks amidst ongoing internal tensions.
However, these dismissals are not being well received on the ground. Some of the affected councillors describe the decision as harsh, while others believe action was necessary. These revocations come at a sensitive time for the MMM, following the departure of Paul Bérenger. The party is thus entering a new phase, with tensions that may still be felt in the coming days, as other similar actions are reportedly planned.
UNCONSULTED ACTION
Reacting to the wave of dismissals within the MMM, independent MP Joanna Bérenger criticizes the process, deeming it contrary to the party's democratic principles. She particularly criticizes how these decisions were made, asserting that the affected councillors were neither consulted nor heard. According to her, these sanctions primarily hinge on their presence at the Plaza to support Paul Bérenger while he was still in his leadership role.
"This was an exercise conducted without consulting the councillors. These comrades were not even given the opportunity to express themselves or explain their position," she noted. Joanna Bérenger believes that this approach contradicts the militant spirit and democratic values that have long defined the MMM. She emphasizes that the targeted councillors are elected representatives who chose to remain true to their convictions. "They chose to remain loyal to their values, and that is to their credit," she stated, commending their stance. In this context, the MP encourages those affected not to give up. "Keep your heads up, the struggle continues," she asserted in a show of support.
PARTY LINE
The president of the MMM and Minister of Labor, Reza Uteem, defends the party leadership's decision, considering the dismissals from the central committee to be a "perfectly reasonable" exercise. According to him, these measures occur in the wake of Paul Bérenger's departure and the subsequent wave of resignations. He mentions a "drip-drip" wave of departures, noting that some members have chosen to position themselves outside the party line.
"After Paul Bérenger's departure, there is no longer a leader. So, if some have decided to follow him, it means they are no longer in the MMM," he stated, justifying their dismissal. The MMM president is also critical of the affected councillors, claiming they should have taken responsibility. "These councillors did not have the decency to resign. We heard some say that we stayed in government to retain our advantages, but what have they done? You cannot remain in the MMM without following party directives," he remarked. Reza Uteem emphasizes the implications of these dismissals concerning the municipal councils.
He explained that the affected elected officials, having been elected under the MMM banner as part of an alliance, can no longer serve as representatives of the party. "The party will write to the relevant bodies to clarify that these dismissed individuals no longer belong to the MMM. The municipal council will need to meet and consult the 'Reserved List' to appoint new councillors," he elaborated.
Finally, he wanted to clarify the internal situation of the party, rejecting any notion of an organized division. "There is no longer a group of fifteen as we have heard. There is the MMM and everyone else. Paul Bérenger is no longer the leader, so these individuals have been revoked as members of the party."
KESHAV JHUMMUN REGRETS HIS DISMISSAL
Among the municipal councillors affected by the MMM's decision is Keshaw Jhummun, elected from Ward 3 in Beau-Bassin/Rose Hill. He does not hide his disappointment regarding this dismissal. The councillor learned the news with "much sadness." He highlighted his long-standing commitment to the party. For him, this decision comes at a tense time without him having the opportunity to explain himself or assert his position. "I was elected to serve the citizens, and I have always done so. I am saddened by how I learned that I was dismissed," he confided.
While he acknowledges the difficulties within the MMM, Keshaw Jhummun believes dialogue should have prevailed. He particularly regrets the harsh remarks made by the party leadership towards certain elected officials. A meeting is scheduled with other outgoing councillors to decide the way forward. In the meantime, he claims he remains committed to the values that guided his political engagement while calling for calm and reflection.
GIREESH GENDAH NO LONGER RECOGNIZES THE MMM
Among the dismissed municipal councillors is Gireesh Gendah, elected in Curepipe. Reacting to the MMM's decision, he expressed surprise and criticized a process he deems incomprehensible.
According to him, the affected elected officials have not at any moment left the party. "We were quite surprised; we do not fully understand why and how this happened. At no time did we resign from the party." The councillor insists they were elected by the populace and continue to fulfill their mandate.
"We are the elected representatives of the people. We are here to work for our country." He also contests the reasons given for these dismissals, particularly the fact that they showed support for Paul Bérenger. "Don’t think that just because Paul has left, we have too. We have continued to work normally." Gireesh Gendah ultimately laments an evolution of the party that he no longer recognizes. He believes that differing opinions are no longer accepted as they once were. "I don’t think this is democratic. I no longer recognize this party," he concluded.
