Mauritius has announced an extension of its nighttime curfew for two additional nights as the government moves to stabilize the country following days of civil unrest. The decision to maintain the restrictions comes after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman during demonstrations in Camp Levieux, a densely populated neighborhood situated roughly 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) south of Port Louis. The officer involved in the shooting has been arrested and remains in custody while an investigation into the incident is underway. The initial unrest prompted a curfew running from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The unrest, which began last week and intensified following Friday's shooting, has prompted the government to implement stricter security measures. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam chaired a special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday where officials reviewed a police report confirming 94 arrests through Tuesday, including 16 minors and one police officer. An additional 26 arrests were recorded during Wednesday night’s operations. Authorities have confirmed that all road obstructions were cleared by Thursday morning. The curfew, which was announced after the Cabinet meeting, restricted movement from 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Moving forward, the government plans to increase police deployments, particularly in areas impacted by the violence, while reinforcing vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks. A statement from the executive emphasized that police will act firmly to prevent further escalation. Officials have also indicated that those arrested may face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and a process has been established to fast-track these legal cases in consultation with law enforcement and judicial officials.
The protests stem from public frustration regarding water shortages and the rising cost of living. Government data from Oct. 8 showed reservoir capacity had dropped to 57.1%, significantly lower than the 87.4% recorded a year prior, with Mare aux Vacoas levels reported at 35.7%. Emergency measures, such as drilling new boreholes and deploying water tankers, have been initiated. Additionally, Statistics Mauritius reported that annual inflation reached 4.1% in September, up from 3.4% a year earlier, driven by increased food and fuel prices. To address the situation, the government has restricted fuel sales in portable containers while allowing normal vehicle refueling.
Security concerns have led to the cancellation of school classes for Thursday and Friday, with some exams postponed in Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Agaléga. Furthermore, the Cabinet is considering amendments to the Children’s Act to lower the age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12. International warnings have also been issued, with Britain and Canada advising travelers to avoid protests. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis has canceled scheduled services and urged visitors to plan ahead, while local police continue to monitor social media platforms for hate speech and incitement to violence.
The government also restricted fuel sales in portable containers but allowed motorists to fill their vehicles as usual, according to a Commerce Ministry statement reported by L’Express.
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
