Mauritius announced on Saturday the reversal of its decision to block social media platforms in the lead-up to its general election, a move that was initially implemented following a wiretapping scandal.
The social media ban had been enforced for 24 hours, preventing users on the Indian Ocean island from accessing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, and was originally set to last until November 11, the day after the elections. The ban was triggered by the release of secret recordings featuring conversations among politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats that began circulating online last month.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office expressed concerns that the leaks had potentially compromised “the national security and integrity of our republic and our international partners.” However, in a statement on Saturday, the Information and Communications Authority announced the lifting of the ban after consultations with relevant authorities.
The decision to block social media had sparked significant backlash from opposition parties and local media organizations that rely heavily on these platforms. The leaked recordings were primarily disseminated by an account named Missie Moustass (Mr. Moustache) on TikTok, which has faced efforts to be shut down but has continuously reemerged to release recordings almost daily.
Among the most shocking leaks was an audio recording in which the police commissioner allegedly asked a forensic doctor to alter a report related to a death that occurred following police custody. A judicial investigation into that incident was initiated after the recording’s release. Additionally, private conversations involving British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre were also reportedly leaked.
Jugnauth is currently campaigning for re-election as the leader of the Militant Socialist Movement. He ascended to the premiership in 2017 following his father’s death and successfully led his coalition to victory in the subsequent elections two years later.
