Mauritius youth flag drug crisis as New Caledonia seeks French aid

During the fifth edition of the National Youth Parliament in Mauritius, participant Tahseen Oozeerally, acting in the role of Prime Minister, highlighted the proliferation of synthetic drugs as a ‘national emergency’. Data presented indicated that in 2022, public health institutions recorded 1,008 admissions related to drug complications, with approximately 66% of those affected aged between 15 and 34. Over 80% of these cases involved heroin or new psychoactive substances.

To address the crisis, Oozeerally noted the importance of funding community care through the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), which directs Corporate Social Responsibility funds to registered NGOs operating rehabilitation centers. Currently, Mauritius finances 80% of local harm reduction programs due to declining international funding.

In New Caledonia, a cross-party delegation of nine representatives from the government, Congress, and Parliament will travel to Paris from September 1 to 5. The mission aims to secure substantial financial assistance from the French state to sustain the territory's budget through 2026 and 2027. While the FLNKS movement announced it would not participate, citing a lack of preparation and feeling sidelined, Emmanuel Tjibaou will join the delegation in his capacity as a Member of Parliament and member of the finance commission.