Mauritius on Thursday extended a curfew for a further two nights following unrest triggered by the police shooting of a woman, as the African island nation grapples with protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living.The demonstrations began last week and escalated after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman in Camp Levieux, a densely populated residential neighbourhood about 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of the capital, Port Louis.The officer was arrested and taken into custody as authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, the incident fuelled further tensions, prompting authorities to impose an initial curfew from 8:30 pm on Tuesday until 6 am on Wednesday.Police are set to strengthen their presence, particularly in areas affected by violence, while reinforcing roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, according to a government statement.“Police will step up measures and will act firmly, as appropriate, to contain further escalation of violence,” the statement said.
Over 100 arrested in 2 days; schools shut
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, cited a police report indicating that 94 people had been arrested through Tuesday, including 16 minors and one police officer. Police reported 26 additional arrests during Wednesday night’s operations and confirmed that all roads were clear of obstructions by Thursday morning.The Cabinet also warned that those arrested could face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, where applicable. Authorities have also established a process to expedite cases following consultations with judicial and law enforcement officials.Police were monitoring social media for hate speech and incitement to violence. Citing the involvement of minors in the unrest, the Cabinet indicated that it would consider amending the Children’s Act to lower the minimum age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12.The education ministry announced the cancellation of school classes across Mauritius on Thursday and Friday due to security concerns. Some primary and secondary school examinations scheduled for those days were also postponed in Mauritius and the neighbouring islands of Rodrigues and Agaléga, while international examinations would proceed as planned.
Tourism and financial services under pressure
Tourism and financial services are key pillars of Mauritius’ economy. The island nation, regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, experienced similar unrest in 1999, when the death of a popular musician in police custody triggered several days of rioting.Britain and Canada advised travellers to steer clear of demonstrations, warning of potential transport disruptions. Canada cautioned that further protests could erupt with “little or no warning.” The US Embassy in Port Louis issued a security alert on Tuesday, announcing the cancellation of scheduled services and advising visitors to arrange appointments in advance.
Anger mounts over water shortages and rising costs
The unrest reflects growing public frustration over water shortages and the rising cost of living. On October 8, the government reported that reservoir levels had fallen to 57.1% of capacity, compared with 87.4% a year earlier. Mare aux Vacoas, one of the country’s key reservoirs, stood at just 35.7% capacity. Emergency measures announced by authorities include drilling boreholes and deploying water tankers.Statistics Mauritius reported that annual inflation climbed to 4.1% in September, up from 3.4% a year earlier, partly driven by higher petrol and food prices.The government also imposed restrictions on fuel sales in portable containers, while allowing motorists to refuel their vehicles as usual.