Introduction: The APRM and its Implementation in Mauritius 17. 46 Chapter 1 Due to the soaring of energy prices and the sudden drop in sugar prices, priority was given to the struggle to overcome these combined shocks, and the APRM process stalled for several years. It was revitalised in June 2007. Through an open-bid process, a private consultancy firm, Ernst & Young, was hired to conduct the self-assessment exercise. The mission of Ernst & Young in Mauritius was to: • • • • • • • • Popularise the principles, processes, objectives and actions of the APRM in terms of their adoption by the different stakeholders in the development process. Sensitise national opinion on the issues and challenges of the APRM. Organise broad-based consultations with various stakeholders through workshops and focus-group discussions. Carry out a comprehensive survey with all main stakeholders in the country in a way that reflects the four broad focus areas. Conduct an analysis of all information gathered with a view to making a diagnosis of situations on a sectoral basis. Make recommendations which follow as natural conclusions of the situations. Prepare a preliminary NPoA by liaising with government ministries. Advise on the successful completion of the final report. 18. The sensitisation activities resumed in June 2007, although the first draft of the self-assessment report was not ready until the end of April 2009. The NPoA that accompanied the self-assessment was not costed and the CRM requested that the APR Focal Point do this before submitting the programme to the APR Panel. 19. The APR Panel was delighted that the government of Mauritius was determined to continue and reaffirm the country’s commitment to make itself available for assessment by its African peers. The government subsequently decided to invite the APR Panel to dispatch a CRM in July 2009, in order to present the report on Mauritius at the January 2010 Forum. This mission was publicly announced during the Summit of the Heads of State and Government, held in Sirte, Libya, in June 2009. 1.3 The CRM 20. The Mauritius CRM was conducted by Professor Mohammed Seghir Babès, a member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons, from 15 to 31 July 2009. Mauritius thus became the 13th country to be reviewed. Chapter 1 Introduction: The APRM and its Implementation in Mauritius More importantly, it was the first island country in sub-Saharan Africa to be assessed. This was a new experience that will definitely interest other countries which are experiencing the same realities elsewhere on the continent. 21. The CRM comprised 19 African experts from 12 AU member states, who were selected by virtue of their competence and experience in the field of governance in the different focus areas covered by the APRM. They were: For the APR Panel and the APR Secretariat: 22. Professor Mohammed Seghir Babès, head of the CRM and member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons; Mr Moise Nembot, coordinator: democracy and political governance and coordinator of the CRM of Mauritius; Mr Dalmar Jama, research analyst: corporate governance; and Ms Atany Kagnaguine, APR Panel support officer. For partner institutions: 23. Mrs Souad Abdennebi, regional adviser for the promotion of women’s rights at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); Mrs Houda Mejri, communication officer in charge of gender issues at UNECA; Mr Donatien Bihute, former vice president of the African Development Bank (ADB) and international consultant representing the ADB; Ms Sylvie Kinigi, international consultant representing the ADB; Mr Dawit Makonnen, international consultant representing the ADB; and Mr Siphosa Malunga, governance practice leader for Southern and Eastern Africa, representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). For independent experts at the APR Secretariat: 24. Democracy and political governance: Mr Ijuka Kabumba, international consultant and associate professor of public administration and political sociology at Nkumba University; Ms Laura Nyirinkindi, international consultant and international human rights lawyer; and Ms Chantal Uwimana, international consultant and public administration specialist. 25. Economic governance and management: Mr Mbaya J Kankwenda, international consultant, executive director of the Congolese Institute for Development Research and Strategic Studies (ICREDES) and former resident representative of the UNDP; and Mr Abdul Aziz 47