Mauritian authorities extended an overnight curfew for two additional nights and heightened security measures across the Indian Ocean island nation following days of widespread civil unrest. The disturbance escalated after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman during demonstrations over severe water shortages and the rising cost of living in Camp Levieux, a densely populated neighborhood roughly 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) south of the capital, Port Louis.
The curfew extension was decided during a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. Under the executive directive, movement in designated areas was restricted between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday nights, with the restriction expiring on Friday morning. This followed an initial curfew that ran from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. In response to the violence, police are reinforcing vehicle checkpoints, strengthening roadblocks, and stepping up patrol deployments, particularly in heavily affected areas. An official Cabinet statement emphasized that law enforcement agencies "will step up measures and will act firmly, as appropriate, to contain further escalation of violence."
According to official police reports, 94 individuals—including 16 minors and one police officer—were taken into custody through Tuesday. An additional 26 arrests were recorded during overnight operations on Wednesday, though authorities confirmed that all major roadways were cleared of obstructions by Thursday morning. The officer involved in the Camp Levieux shooting was arrested and remains in custody while an official investigation into the incident continues. Furthermore, following consultations with judicial and law enforcement officials, the Cabinet announced a fast-track procedure to expedite cases, warning that those arrested could face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Authorities are also actively monitoring social media platforms for hate speech and incitement to violence. Given the participation of minors in the disturbances, the Cabinet is evaluating potential amendments to the Children's Act to lower the age of legal detention and prosecution from 14 to 12.
The civil unrest stems from growing public anger over deteriorating living conditions and public utility shortages that began last week. Government figures released on October 8 revealed that national reservoir levels had plummeted to 57.1% capacity compared to 87.4% at the same time last year, with the primary Mare aux Vacoas reservoir dropping to 35.7%. To address the drought, the government initiated emergency measures, including drilling boreholes and dispatching mobile water tankers. Compounding the situation, Statistics Mauritius reported that annual inflation climbed to 4.1% in September, up from 3.4% a year earlier, driven largely by surging food and petrol prices. In a related move reported by local newspaper L'Express, the Commerce Ministry restricted the sale of fuel in portable containers, though standard vehicle refueling at gas stations remains unaffected.
The ongoing crisis has also caused significant disruption to public education and diplomatic operations. The Education Ministry suspended all school classes in Mauritius for Thursday and Friday due to security risks. Local primary and secondary school examinations scheduled for those days were postponed across Mauritius and the nearby islands of Rodrigues and Agaléga, although international examinations proceeded as planned. School officials stated they would provide updates on when classes can safely resume as conditions develop. Meanwhile, foreign governments issued safety warnings to their citizens. Britain and Canada urged travelers to avoid demonstrations and cautioned against potential transport disruptions, with Canadian authorities noting protests could erupt with "little or no warning." Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis issued a security alert on Tuesday after canceling routine appointments, advising visitors to book all visits in advance.
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
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