Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-04-10 10:00:56
One year ago, socio-cultural associations were shouting “No retreat, no surrender!” in response to the state’s demand to take back land that had been allocated to them. Today, they still stand firm and the fight continues. During the week, the opposition leader, Xavier-Luc Duval, put the question of land restitution to socio-cultural associations back on the agenda. Although Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands and Housing, Steve Obeegadoo, stated that the state will provide a new site in Côte d’Or and cover the construction of socio-cultural centers, this has not appeased the protesters. On the contrary, tensions are escalating, especially within the Rann Nu Later association, with a case likely to be brought to court tomorrow and street actions planned to denounce what the association calls an “injustice”.
The resurgence of this issue has attracted attention from various quarters, including politicians and officials. The history of the Réduit Triangle, where the dispute is centered, dates back to the early 2000s when the state acquired land in that area. Over the years, the region has become a target for various types of development, including the proposed construction of cultural and medical hubs. Under the MMM-MSM government, the land was allocated to four socio-cultural centers, sparking a controversy that has now come to a head.
The main party involved in this dispute is the state, which originally allocated the land to these associations. However, due to certain conditions not being met, the state has decided to reclaim the land, leading to protests and legal challenges from the affected associations. The ongoing disagreement has also highlighted divisions within the Tamil community, as some associations have accepted the government’s offer to relocate to a new site in Côte d’Or, while others, like the Rann Nu Later association, continue to resist.
The government’s position on the matter has evolved over time, with various ministers addressing the issue in parliament and press conferences. While the state has defended its decision to reclaim unused land in the Réduit Triangle, the timing and rationale behind this move have been questioned by the associations. As the legal battle continues and tensions rise, stakeholders like Rajen Narsinghen, coordinator of Rann Nu Later’s legal team, emphasize their commitment to fight for the return of the land and the construction of a socio-cultural center at Réduit Triangle.
In the midst of this conflict, voices of disappointment and frustration emerge from within the affected associations. Gaëtan Aurokium, Vice-President of the IMCA, expresses disappointment at the recent turn of events and questions the government’s sudden offer to finance the project just before elections. The lack of transparency and changing attitudes from authorities have left many stakeholders disillusioned and skeptical about the motives behind the land dispute in Réduit.
As the battle for land rights and cultural heritage continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this complex and multifaceted issue will be resolved in the coming days. The passionate cries of “No retreat, no surrender!” echo the determination of those fighting for justice and the preservation of their socio-cultural legacy in the Réduit Triangle.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
