Mauritius vice-president calls for serious debate on decriminalizing cannabis

Almost a year after taking office, the vice-president Robert Hungley has placed the fight against drugs at the heart of its political program.

In an interview with the Mauritian press, he set out his approach, acknowledged the institutional shortcomings and opened the way for a debate on the decriminalization of cannabis as a potential means of curbing the rise of synthetic substances among young Mauritians.

A vice-president on the front line

Presenting himself as a leader determined to face a crisis he describes as national, social and economic, Robert Hungley says he grew up in a region where the consumption of cannabis already existed, but was «victimless», a far cry from today's situation marked by the meteoric rise of synthetic drugs in the same neighborhoods.

The vice-president stresses the need to approach drug addiction with empathy. «Stigmatization is a serious mistake», he reminds us, calling for collective mobilization rather than marginalization. Although he regularly raises the subject at official events, he says he has spent his first few months meeting NGOs, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders and local communities to get a feel for the reality on the ground.

According to Hungley, drug trafficking now affects «every region of the country» and is undermining Mauritius' development by directly affecting its workforce. In response to this situation, Hungley is relying on three pillars: the prevention, theeducation, and a stronger presence in the most exposed neighborhoods.

Expectations and frustrations surrounding NADC

An important part of the national strategy is based on the’National Drug Control Agency (NADC), an institution widely criticized for its slowness and limited impact. Mr Hungley acknowledges this frustration, echoing comments made recently by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.

However, he calls for patience: «NADC is taking its time (...) But let's not shoot the ambulance.» He points to the long experience of its chairman, Sam Lauthan, and calls for «constructive criticism» rather than scapegoating. According to Hungley, the agency needs greater operational capacity and clearer, faster recruitment procedures to become effective in the field.

On one of the most sensitive issues, namely the decriminalization of cannabis, Hungley takes an open position. Acknowledging that his opinion has evolved, he insists that the debate is legitimate and should involve scientists and international comparisons.

«The proposal to use cannabis as an alternative to chemical drugs is a debate that has its place (...) If decriminalizing cannabis can help young people get rid of their dependence on synthetic drugs, then why not?»

Without explicitly endorsing the reform, the Vice President explains that he will support the direction favored by the public and policy-makers, provided that the approach is serious, evidence-based and adapted to local realities, including in Rodrigues where drug problems among young people are acute.

A broader social challenge

Beyond the application of the law, Hungley highlights the structural causes of the crisis: poverty, lack of opportunities and neighborhoods deprived of cultural or leisure infrastructures. He calls on municipalities and civil society to take the initiative, rather than relying solely on political leaders.

When it comes to family support, a dimension often neglected, Hungley acknowledges existing weaknesses, but promises new measures as part of the NADC action plan.

The vice-president concludes with a call for unity: the aim is not to punish, but to «support with dignity» those caught up in addiction, and help them rebuild their lives. For him, the fight must transcend political divisions: «The work must be done by consensus.»