Thousands of people flocked the streets of the capital St. Louis in Mauritius on Saturday to condemn the government’s response to an oil spill early last month.
The oil spill occurred when Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio crashed into a reef off southeastern Mauritius last month.
As a result of the maritime mishap, more than 1,000 tons of oil spilled into the Mauritius coast lined with mangrove forests and endangered species.
The protest was the biggest demonstration Mauritius has seen in 40 years, with up to 75,000 people marching in the capital against Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Many called for the leader and top officials to step down.
PM Jugnauth has blamed bad weather for the government’s slow response and denied any wrongdoing. Authorities and experts from Japan and Britain are still investigating the extent of the spill and its effects.
Environmental workers and volunteers have been working for days to rescue wildlife affected by the spill and creating makeshift oil barriers.
Veterinarians examined two of the dolphin carcasses but found no signs of oil traces. Autopsy results from other dolphins being washed ashore are expected in the coming days, said the Fisheries Ministry.
Experts have warned about a major ecological disaster and said that the impact on Mauritius and its tourism-dependent economy could last for decades.
Signs such as “Your incompetence is destroying our island,” “You have no shame,” and “I’ve seen better cabinets at IKEA” were seen being carried by protesters, who were also outraged over the alarming discovery of dozens of dead dolphins in recent days. “This rally is an occasion to send a message to tell Pravind Jugnauth he has messed up,” 35-year-old protester Jocelyne Leung told AFP.
Public anger has increased after at least 34 melon-headed whales were found dead or seriously ill near the site of the spill.
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