Regularisation Efforts in Mauritian Squatter Settlements: A Governance Perspective

Introduction: The Need for Regularisation

In December 2024, the Mauritian government initiated a legal regularisation process for squatter families residing on state land at Bois Marchand, Singamanie. The action, taken by the Ministry of Lands and Housing, involved granting lease agreements to three families who had been occupying the land illegally for over two decades. This event has drawn public attention due to the complexity of land rights issues and the government's ongoing efforts to balance humane policies with legal enforcement.

What Is Established

• Three families at Bois Marchand have legally acquired lease agreements for state land.
• The action represents a broader initiative by the Mauritian government to address squatter settlements.
• Regularisation is seen as part of a humane approach, aligning with government promises for more compassionate policies.
• Minister Shakeel Mohamed has emphasized that future efforts will continue for other squatter families.

What Remains Contested

• The pace and scope of regularisation for remaining squatter families are still under discussion.
• Concerns about eviction processes for illegal livestock activities in residential areas continue to stir debate.
• The criteria used to select the initial families for regularisation have not been fully disclosed.
• Opposition parties question the balance between legal frameworks and perceived political motivations in these regularisation efforts.

Background and Timeline of Events

The regularisation process for squatters living on state lands in Mauritius is not a recent phenomenon. Historically, such initiatives have been attempted to address informal settlements, but challenges such as resource allocation, legal hurdles, and political considerations have often impeded progress. In the case of Bois Marchand, these issues have been particularly pronounced, prompting the government to take a more structured approach. As part of this recent effort, three families received their lease agreements, a move marked by government officials as part of a broader strategy to ensure fair housing and land use policies.

Stakeholder Positions

Various stakeholders have positioned themselves differently regarding the regularisation efforts. The government, represented by Minister Shakeel Mohamed, views the initiative as a milestone in adopting humane policy measures. Meanwhile, community advocates highlight the need for speedier processes to benefit more families. Opposition parties, however, argue that political interests may influence the selection of families and the overall approach, calling for greater transparency.

Regional Context

This initiative comes at a time when numerous African countries face similar challenges with informal settlements. As urbanisation accelerates across the continent, governments are increasingly pressured to reconcile the need for legal compliance with human rights considerations. Mauritius’s approach could serve as a model for developing humane yet legally sound strategies for regularising informal settlements across Africa.

Forward-Looking Analysis

Looking ahead, the regularisation of squatter settlements in Mauritius will require continued dialogue and collaboration among government entities, civil society, and community leaders. The success of this initiative may depend on the government's ability to maintain transparency and ensure equitable treatment for all squatter families. Moreover, integrating community voices into policy-making processes may foster trust and enhance the legitimacy of such efforts. As Mauritius navigates these complexities, the experience could inform broader governance strategies across Africa, offering valuable lessons in balancing legal frameworks with social justice imperatives.

Institutional and Governance Dynamics

The regularisation process highlights broader governance dynamics at play, where regulatory frameworks must adapt to accommodate social realities. The initiative underscores the importance of institutional agility, where policy reforms must be responsive to both legal mandates and socio-economic needs. By prioritising transparency and stakeholder engagement, Mauritius can enhance its governance structures, ultimately fostering a more inclusive approach to land and housing policies.