Mauritius imposed a curfew across parts of the country on Tuesday night after unrest broke out over the shooting of a woman by a police officer, with the government saying on Wednesday that the situation was under control. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the curfew in a televised address, saying it would run from 8:30pm local time (16:30 GMT) on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday, covering the capital Port Louis and other major population centres on the Indian Ocean island.
How the unrest unfolded Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads on Monday night after the shooting of a woman by a police officer. The shooting followed protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living that began earlier in the week. Local media reported that a police sergeant had been provisionally charged in connection with the shooting, while Mauritius police said an investigation is under way. Health minister Anil Bachoo said the woman underwent successful surgery to remove a bullet. The unrest was described as the worst rioting and looting on the island since 1999, with looting reported at two supermarkets and police stations attacked, injuring several officers.
Official response Police said on Wednesday that some incidents were reported in certain parts of the island overnight, adding that units responded promptly and several arrests had been made. Schools remained closed for a second day, except for students taking international examinations. The cabinet was expected to meet on Wednesday to assess whether further action was needed. The British embassy in Mauritius warned its nationals that there may be further protests and advised them to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings; the French embassy asked its community to exercise caution.
Sources: Reuters via SRN News — Mauritius imposes curfew after unrest over police shooting and Bloomberg via Moneyweb — Mauritius says situation is under control after days of unrest
How the unrest unfolded Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads on Monday night after the shooting of a woman by a police officer. The shooting followed protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living that began earlier in the week. Local media reported that a police sergeant had been provisionally charged in connection with the shooting, while Mauritius police said an investigation is under way. Health minister Anil Bachoo said the woman underwent successful surgery to remove a bullet. The unrest was described as the worst rioting and looting on the island since 1999, with looting reported at two supermarkets and police stations attacked, injuring several officers.
Official response Police said on Wednesday that some incidents were reported in certain parts of the island overnight, adding that units responded promptly and several arrests had been made. Schools remained closed for a second day, except for students taking international examinations. The cabinet was expected to meet on Wednesday to assess whether further action was needed. The British embassy in Mauritius warned its nationals that there may be further protests and advised them to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings; the French embassy asked its community to exercise caution.
Sources: Reuters via SRN News — Mauritius imposes curfew after unrest over police shooting and Bloomberg via Moneyweb — Mauritius says situation is under control after days of unrest
