Country Reports on Terrorism 2008 - Mauritius

In November, Mauritian Prime Minister Rangoulam announced before Parliament a series of planned security upgrades to ports and airports in an unprecedented push to prevent terrorism in Mauritius. The airport measures will include upgrades of the existing x-ray machines and the installation of two new units, a 100 percent screening of hold baggage at the airport, the installation of an Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, and the linking of Customs, Passport, and Immigration Services databases. Mauritius is also developing an Alert Color Code System in accordance with international practices.

As a result of limited available resources to cover its shores and waterways, Mauritius has traditionally had problems controlling land access, especially by small boats. To address this challenge, Mauritius has fortified its port security measures by strengthening access controls through an enhanced identification system, updated Closed Circuit Television Systems, and an increased number of police and customs officers.

Mauritius' Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with the United States coupled with its goal of being a port where 100 percent of entering cargo is scanned have prompted progress on the Mauritian Cargo Community System (CCS) project. The CCS project aims to collect, organize, and provide advance electronic information on cargo and container shipments to ensure adequate risk assessment. Progress on this project has led to a continuous increase in the percentage of containers scanned.

Mauritius has a comprehensive and growing antiterrorism legislative framework based on "The Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2002," which criminalized terrorist financing and gave the government the power to track and investigate terrorist-related assets. The Government of Mauritius is well aware that organizations that accept charity funds could be susceptible to terrorist financing, and monitors these types of activities accordingly.

In November, Mauritius established a counterterrorism unit that includes the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the National Guard, and the Head of the Interior Affairs Ministry.

In December, Mauritius implemented a new Border Control System that enables more effective controls over travel documents. Before the implementation of the new system, Mauritian Customs officials had caught 20 travelers using false passports. While most of these individuals were released in November, customs officials caught six Iraqis on their way to Australia using false Danish passports. The Iraqis were being held at year's end until the Mauritian authorities could verify their identities.

Mauritius is one of three countries in sub-Saharan Africa whose Financial Intelligence Unit is an Egmont Group