Mauritius has reversed its decision to block social media until after its election, a move prompted by a wire-tapping scandal. The ban, which had been in effect for 24 hours, prevented users on the Indian Ocean island from accessing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
The ban, initially set to last until November 11—the day following the general election—was introduced after secret recordings of phone calls involving politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats began circulating online last month.
The office of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth stated that “the national security and integrity of our republic and our international partners may have been compromised” by the leaks.
However, in a statement on Saturday, the Information and Communications Authority announced that the ban had been lifted following “consultation with competent authorities.” There has been considerable outcry from opposition parties and local media groups, who rely heavily on social media platforms.
The leaked recordings were shared by an account named Missie Moustass (Mr Moustache), primarily on TikTok. Efforts to block the account were made, but it quickly reappeared on other platforms, and recordings have been released almost daily.
One of the most shocking revelations involved the police commissioner allegedly asking a forensic doctor to alter a report concerning a person who died after being beaten in police custody. A judicial investigation into this death was launched following the leak. Additionally, private calls featuring British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre also appear to have been compromised.
Jugnauth is seeking re-election as leader of the Militant Socialist Movement. He ascended to the premiership following his father’s death in 2017 and led his coalition to victory in the elections two years later.