Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-04-12 11:00:20
The Sunni Razvi Society International organized its annual Eid Milan Party yesterday in the presence of key leaders of the country, including the President of the Republic, Pradeep Roopun, the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, and the leader of the opposition, Xavier-Luc Duval. Religious leaders, including Bishop Jean-Michaël Durhône and Bishop Stenio André, bishops of Port-Louis and Mauritius respectively, were also in attendance. During the ceremony, all speakers took a moment to remember the residents of Gaza, who are victims of the war in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister first paid tribute to the work carried out by the Sunni Razvi Society International, which has made significant contributions to religious education, the well-being of the Muslim community, and Mauritian society as a whole in order to consolidate national unity, he said. “We look in the same direction in this multicultural and multi-religious country where different religions coexist. We live in peace and respect for our neighbors,” he continued.
Pravind Jugnauth also expressed his special thoughts for countries at war, especially for the victims, including innocent civilians. He condemned the conflicts currently tearing apart countries in Europe, Africa, and Myanmar. “The ongoing war in the Middle East is particularly touching to us. Whenever we have had the opportunity in Mauritius, we have expressed our support for the Palestinian people,” he said, highlighting the solidarity of the Mauritian people with the Palestinian people and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
“Mauritius has always voted in favor of resolutions concerning Palestine at the United Nations and the African Union,” he emphasized, mentioning the telethon organized in favor of Palestine to which the government contributed. He also made a personal contribution and encouraged the population to do the same, noting that the opportunity to contribute was still open. He also announced that the Saudi government intends to open an embassy in Mauritius. President Roopun also made a plea to the international community to do everything possible to end the military conflict in the Middle East.
Xavier-Luc Duval, on behalf of the opposition, extended his wishes. He paid tribute to the Muslim community for their contribution to the social, cultural, and economic development of the country. He also expressed his sorrow over the horrors perpetrated in Gaza, with more than 31,000 victims, including children, and over 70,000 injured.
The opposition leader recounted his visit to Palestine, where he had the opportunity to visit Al Hussein Hospital, particularly the pediatric wing. Upon his return to Mauritius, the PMSD organized a collection, the proceeds of which were used to aid the children at the hospital. He announced his intention to visit the hospital again after the upcoming elections.
Yousouf Cheeroo, the secretary of the Sunni Razvi Society International, clarified that the Eid Milan Party is neither a political nor a spiritual gathering, but a moment of sharing. He pointed out that the presence of the President, the Prime Minister, and the opposition leader symbolizes the unity of the nation. He also welcomed the representatives of the major religions practiced in Mauritius.
Yousouf Cheeroo finally appealed to the major powers to do something to end the war in the Middle East. “Hospitals, whose purpose is to treat the sick, have become cemeteries. Humanity weeps at the massacre of women, children, the disabled, and the elderly,” he concluded on this note.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
