12 Facts About Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim was born in the village of Surinam on 17 October 1959, to parents Hassenjee Gurib and Firdaus Durgauhee.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim grew up in Plaine Magnien and completed her studies at the primary school in Saint-Patrice.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim then moved to Mahebourg Loreto Convent, finishing her Higher School Certificate at Loreto Convent Quatre Bornes before flying to England for her undergraduate degree in chemistry.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim graduated from the University of Surrey in 1983 with a BSc degree in chemistry.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim worked at the Mauritius Research Council as Manager for Research.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned in 2018 amid a financial scandal during the prime ministership of Pravind Jugnauth.

In December 2013 Ameenah Gurib-Fakim made a complaint to the Mauritian Equal Opportunities Commission alleging religious discrimination in the consideration of her application for Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim officially resigned from the position of President of Mauritius on 23 March 2018 after the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations when L'Express newspapers leaked her bank details, although she had refunded the expenditures one year before the leak.

In June 2018 the Government of Mauritius instigated a Commission of Inquiry on violation of the Constitution and other laws by former President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, led by Judge Asraf Ally Caunhye.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean by President Anerood Jugnauth in 2008 for her contribution to the education and the scientific sector.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was awarded the Order of the 'Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques' by the Government of France in 2009.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was listed among the 100 Reputable Africans by Reputation Polls International.