Thousands of Mauritians on Saturday took part in a peaceful march, called by the main opposition parties to demand the departure of the government of Pravind Jugnauth, which they claim is “entangled in several scandals”, PANA reported, quoting local media.

Displaying floating banners and flags calling for the overthrow of the present government, the demonstrators marched through the capital’s main streets before reaching Place d’Armes, passing by the office of the prime minister as well as the seat of Parliament, where the main opposition leaders addressed the crowd of protesters.

Opposition leader Arvin Boolell, said: “We are here for a peaceful and patriotic march in a spirit of collective responsibility. We are united for a just cause because we are fighting for justice and stability.

“There is a new horizon and hope. We must ask this government to go away for good,” he added.

According to former Foreign Minister Nando Bodha, who resigned from the government last week, “the Prime Minister is locked in a circle”.

“It’s a locked power where two or three people make decisions,” he said.

Alluding to “government dysfunction”, he described the current situation in the country as “serious”.

“I have tried, on several occasions, to tell the Prime Minister that the country is in bad shape, but to no avail,” he added.

Finally, social activist Bruneau Laurette, told the protesters that “the future is in your hands”.

“Let us join our efforts to put an end to this government,” he said. 

(PANA/NAN)