Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim has refused to resign, vowing to fight allegations that saw her embroiled in a financial scandal, the presidency said in a statement Wednesday.

"Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, having nothing to feel guilty about and able to provide corroborating evidence, rejects any idea of resigning," read the statement.

It was issued less than a week after the prime minister announced she had agreed to step down.

Pravind Jugnauth, the prime minister, told reporters last week Gurib-Fakim would resign after 12 March after the celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary.

Gurib-Fakim, a chemistry professor, was appointed to the largely ceremonial post in 2015, as the island nation’s first female president.

She denied any wrongdoing and refunded all the money in question.

Reuters