Mauritius Extends Curfew Amid Unrest Over Water Shortages, Cost of Living
Security has been tightened and movement restricted as protests, sparked by a police shooting, continue on the island nation.
Mauritius has extended its curfew for two additional nights and bolstered security measures in response to ongoing unrest, which was intensified by a police shooting during protests against water shortages and the rising cost of living. The curfew, which began Tuesday night, restricts movement in designated areas between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The protests escalated on Friday after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman in Camp Levieux, a residential neighborhood near the capital, Port Louis. The officer has been arrested and is under investigation. In response to the disturbances, the government held a special Cabinet meeting Wednesday and announced the extended curfew. According to a police report cited by the Cabinet, 94 individuals had been arrested by Tuesday, including 16 minors and one police officer. Another 26 arrests were made during Wednesday night's operations.
Police are increasing their presence, particularly in areas affected by violence, and are reinforcing roadblocks and checkpoints. Authorities stated that they will "step up measures and will act firmly, as appropriate, to contain further escalation of violence." Those arrested could face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the government is establishing a process to expedite cases after consulting with judicial and law enforcement officials.
The unrest highlights public anger over dwindling water supplies and increasing living costs. Statistics Mauritius reported that annual inflation reached 4.1% in September, up from 3.4% a year earlier, driven by higher petrol and food prices. Government reservoirs were at 57.1% capacity on October 8, a decrease from 87.4% the previous year. Emergency measures, including drilling boreholes and deploying water tankers, have been announced to address water shortages.
Authorities are also monitoring social media for hate speech and incitement to violence. The Cabinet indicated it might consider amending the Children’s Act to lower the age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12, citing the involvement of minors in the unrest.
In response to security concerns, the Ministry of Education canceled school classes on Thursday and Friday. Some primary and secondary school exams scheduled for these days were postponed on Mauritius and the nearby islands of Rodrigues and Agaléga, although international exams will proceed. The ministry will announce when schools are expected to reopen.
Fuel sales in portable containers have been restricted, though motorists can still fill their vehicles. Mauritius, an island nation reliant on tourism and financial services, is considered one of Africa's more stable democracies. Similar unrest occurred in 1999, when a musician's death in police custody led to days of rioting.
International travel advisories have been issued, with Britain and Canada urging travelers to avoid demonstrations and warning of potential transport disruptions. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis canceled scheduled services and advised visitors to arrange any visits in advance.