Mauritius Civil Service Fake News Warning Amid Unrest

As Mauritius continues to recover from a night of widespread civil unrest, authorities have issued a warning to the public about fake news circulating regarding the functioning of the civil service. The warning, flagged by Le Défi Media, comes at a time when misinformation on social media can cause significant confusion — particularly around whether public offices are open, whether employees are required to report to work, and what official directives have been issued. **What we know** The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) — the central coordinating body for Mauritius's government administration — had previously confirmed that the civil service would operate normally. However, false or unverified information appears to have spread on social media platforms, contradicting or distorting official guidance. Authorities are urging citizens and civil servants to rely only on official government sources and verified news outlets for updates on civil service operations. **Why misinformation spreads during unrest** Periods of civil unrest are particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of rumours and fake news. With many people uncertain about safety, transport, and their obligations as employees, unverified claims shared via WhatsApp groups and Facebook can quickly take on the appearance of official guidance. This is especially consequential for civil servants — teachers, healthcare workers, administrative staff — who must make decisions about whether to travel to work and could face disciplinary consequences if they act on false information. **What this means** If you are a civil servant or rely on public services in Mauritius, do not act on information shared via social media without verifying it against official sources. The PMO website and national broadcaster MBC (Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation) are the primary channels for official government communications. Regulatory bodies including the ICTA (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) and the IBA (Independent Broadcasting Authority) have also urged the public to exercise caution about what they share and consume online during this period. Spreading or sharing fake news during a public emergency can have serious consequences — not just for individuals, but for public order and the effective functioning of essential services. Source: Le Défi Media