GIS – 20 June 2025: “The law-and-order situation is one of my highest priorities and also of this Government. Government will not allow unruly elements to threaten the very fabric of our society. We are showing our unflinching commitment to fight the scourges afflicting our country. We need to be particularly ruthless on our fight against crime and in particular, drug trafficking. We need a Police Force that demonstrates a strong determination in the discharge of its duties without fear.”
This was the gist of the reply made by the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, yesterday in the National Assembly, in reply to the Private Notice Question by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard, pertaining to measures being taken to address the law and order situation in the country.
Urgent and ambitious reforms underway
Reaffirming law and order as a top priority of Government, the Prime Minister detailed a wide-ranging reform programme, undertaken with foreign assistance, to modernise the Police Force. These reforms, he said, focus on service delivery, strategic planning, human rights compliance, and institutional accountability.
Major reforms already being implemented include:
- structural reorganisation of the Police and National Security Service;
- strengthening of community policing and neighbourhood watch initiatives;
- creation of specialised Police Units for the protection of senior citizens;
- establishment of a modern Police Training Academy and upgraded detention facilities;
- introduction of the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill;
- modernisation of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit and revamping of Divisional Crime Intelligence Units;
- introduction of biometric passport with advanced encryption and anti-tampering mechanism;
- creation of a National Crime Agency with foreign expert involvement; and
- reintroduction of the Penalty Point System for road safety as from January 2026.
Dr Ramgoolam also announced increased ground presence of Police, including the Special Supporting Unit and the Special Mobile Force for law enforcement and public order operations, such as roadblocks, vehicle checks, and crackdowns on illegal activities in public areas.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed Government’s renewed drive against drug trafficking and substance abuse. The recently enacted National Agency for Drug Control Act 2025 came into force on 15 May 2025, establishing a central body for drug prevention, rehabilitation, and control. The National Drug Control Commission, under the Prime Minister’s chairmanship, will monitor implementation of the national drug strategy and related programmes.
In closing, the Prime Minister affirmed that Government remains unwavering in its mission to dismantle criminal networks, enforce the rule of law, and ensure that justice prevails for all. “There will be no retreat, no surrender,” he said, vowing to end impunity and guarantee safety and justice for every Mauritian.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App:Search Gov