Mauritius has extended its island-wide curfew for two additional nights following riots and looting triggered by protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living. The unrest has been described as the country’s worst since 1999.
The government announced that the curfew would remain in force from 8.30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday until 5 am the following mornings across the island’s main population centres. Schools will remain closed for the rest of the week, except for students appearing for international examinations.
Authorities initially imposed the curfew on October 13 after rioting and looting broke out the previous night. Demonstrations over water shortages and living costs escalated following a police shooting involving a woman, intensifying public anger.
The Mauritius Police Force said 94 people had been arrested since the unrest began. Although police maintained that the situation was under control, incidents were reported in some parts of the island overnight on Wednesday.
Government Considers Stricter Measures to Curb Violence
The government has warned that violating the curfew could attract a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of 50,000 Mauritian rupees, equivalent to approximately $1,050. Authorities have also stated that offenders could face prosecution under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Additional measures are being considered to prevent further violence. The government is amending regulations to restrict petrol sales to customers carrying portable containers after reports that gasoline was used to make Molotov cocktails during the riots.
Authorities are also considering lowering the minimum age for detaining offenders from 14 to 12.
The proposed measures come as the government attempts to restore public order following several days of demonstrations and violence. The police shooting that preceded the escalation has drawn condemnation from Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Prime Minister Condemns Shooting
Ramgoolam condemned the shooting and described the public reaction as “unacceptable”, while expressing confidence that authorities would restore normalcy.
“We are confident that we will reestablish law and order as soon as possible,” he said in an audio statement broadcast on the Facebook page of Le Defi Media Group, based in Port Louis.
The government has not announced when normal activities will fully resume beyond the current curfew arrangements and school closures.
Unrest Challenges Mauritius’ Reputation for Stability
Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its tourism industry, beach resorts and financial-services sector. The country has generally maintained political stability, peaceful elections and relatively low levels of unrest compared with several other countries in the region.
The latest violence presents a challenge to its reputation as a tourism destination and financial-services hub.
With the protests initially driven by water shortages and concerns over the cost of living, the government’s immediate priority is to contain the violence and restore public order. The extended curfew and proposed restrictions reflect efforts to prevent further clashes as authorities respond to the unrest.
