Twenty-One Mauritian Organizations Call for Government to isolate Israel and to join SA case at the ICJ against Israel for genocide
07.06.2025
Even at the time of the Budget dominating headlines, twenty-one organizations, including all the big trade unions and federations, have concentrated on the issue of the time: Israel’s perpetration of genocide against the people of Palestine. Here is the letter sent by the 21 organizations to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Ritish Ramful, after a meeting held last week to decide on a Plan of Action. The Press will be invited to a Press Conference to be held on Friday 13 June to outline some of these actions. But, meanwhile, here is one of the first actions:
3rd June 2025
The Honourable Minister,
Mr. Ritish Ramful
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade
Port Louis
Republic of Mauritius
Subject: Government Position Regarding Diplomatic Relations with Israel
We write to respectfully request official clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade on several matters of national and international concern, particularly in relation to the Government of Mauritius’ stance and actions concerning the case lodged against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as broader diplomatic and security-related concerns.
1. Government Position on the ICJ Case Against Israel
It has been noted that Mauritius did not submit either oral or written submissions before the International Court of Justice in the public hearings regarding the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, other International Organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory on 1st May 2025. In light of Mauritius’ historical commitment to international law, the principle of self-determination, and its strong advocacy in decolonisation matters, most notably concerning the Chagos Archipelago, an explanation is respectfully sought as to why the Government abstained from participation in this legal process.
Such clarification would be important in affirming the Republic’s consistency in supporting the enforcement of international legal norms and human rights.
2. Lack of Support for South Africa’s Case Against Israel at the ICJ
In addition, it is noted with concern that the Government of Mauritius did not co-sponsor South Africa’s application to the ICJ alleging acts of genocide by Israel in Gaza. Given the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Mauritius and South Africa, as well as Mauritius’ longstanding support for anti-apartheid and humanitarian principles, the absence of support warrants explanation. Clarification is respectfully requested on the rationale behind this diplomatic decision.
3. Mauritius-Israel Diplomatic Relations and Strategic Engagement
In the interest of transparency and public understanding, we would be grateful if the Ministry could kindly outline the current status of diplomatic ties between Mauritius and the State of Israel. Specifically:
- Are there formal diplomatic or consular missions established between the two countries?
- What areas of bilateral cooperation exist, whether in trade, technology, defence, health, tourism,. prisons, water and electricity provision whether on Mauritius or Rodrigues Islands, agriculture, export of primates or other animals, or in any other matter?
- Who are the key Israeli-affiliated strategic partners or business entities currently operating or engaged in partnerships within Mauritius?
This information will help citizens better understand the scope and implications of our bilateral engagements.
4. Safeguards Against Inappropriate Activities by Foreign Actors
Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and reports in other jurisdictions regarding the activities of reservists or private actors affiliated with foreign militaries or intelligence networks, we kindly seek the Ministry’s assurances on:
What legal or procedural safeguards are in place to monitor and regulate the presence or activities of Israeli reservists, ex-military personnel, or security-linked businessmen on Mauritian soil?
These assurances are crucial to maintaining public confidence in the country’s security framework and the integrity of its immigration and foreign investment policies.
But most importantly, at this time when Israel is accelerating its genocide of the Palestinian people, is bombarding and deliberately starving inhabitants of Gaza, the government should act so as to isolate Israel. We should cut all ties with Israel be it political, diplomatic, economic, sporting or cultural. We should, it is not too late, join the South African case against Israel at the ICJ for genocide.
We hope that our request will be positively entertained.
Thanking you in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Reaz Chuttoo
Tel: 57839149.
Email: ctspp.unions@gmail.com
for Group of Signatarories of Call to End Genocide in Palestine and Close military base on Diego Garciaregrouping CTSPP, FPBOU, MLC, GWF, FCSOU, FTU, UPSEE, GTU, RPIAWU, RGEA, RWU, Nurses’ union, Nursing Association, LPT, Idrice Goomany Treatment Centre, ABAIM, MLF, Leve Fam!, Never Again-Olive Resistance, LALIT
