Mauritius Imposes Curfew Amidst Protests Fueled by Police Shooting

Mauritius imposed an overnight curfew in its capital and several other towns after a police shooting escalated days of civil unrest on the Indian Ocean island. The curfew, requiring residents to stay indoors from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday, has since been lifted, according to police.

Protests initially began last week over water shortages and the cost of living. The situation intensified on Friday when an officer shot and wounded a woman in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, southwest of the capital, Port Louis. Videos shared by a Mauritian news outlet appeared to show protesters firing fireworks at police.

The paramilitary Special Mobile Force police unit was mobilized. Local reports indicated that protesters clashed with police, blocked roads with burning tires, and damaged public buildings.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam addressed the nation Tuesday, warning that those involved in violence and destruction would face severe consequences. Police reported making arrests but did not provide a specific number. No injuries were reported beyond the woman who was shot and subsequently hospitalized.

In response to the shooting, police arrested one officer and suspended three others for "failing to provide assistance to a person whose life was in danger." The national public prosecutor's office stated that an investigation would also examine the actions of Special Mobile Force officers present at the time of the incident.

Mauritius, known for its luxury beach resorts and as a stable democracy in Africa, has an economy underpinned by financial services and tourism. The island has not experienced similar widespread unrest since 1999, when riots followed the death of a popular musician in police custody.

Schools and public transportation services were suspended during the period of protests. The situation was reported as under control by Wednesday.