Mauritius Lifts Curfew After Protests Over Living Costs, Police Shooting
Mauritius has lifted a nighttime curfew imposed following days of violent protests triggered by water shortages, rising living costs and a police shooting that left a woman seriously injured. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam’s office on Monday, followed an improvement in security conditions across the island nation.
The demonstrations, described as the country’s worst unrest in nearly three decades, resulted in at least 188 arrests over alleged offences including looting, arson, attacks on police stations and possession of explosives. The crisis escalated after a police officer shot and seriously wounded a woman during the unrest. The officer was subsequently arrested and brought before a court.
Authorities said the curfew ended at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, October 19, and would not be extended. The lifting of the restriction signals a gradual return to normal activities after days of disruption, with roads reopened and schools resuming classes as usual, according to a statement from tourism operator Mauritius Tours.
Despite the restoration of normal movement, the unrest has highlighted public frustration over essential services and the rising cost of living. The protests began over water shortages and economic pressures before the shooting intensified tensions, raising broader questions about public trust, police accountability and the government’s response to citizens’ grievances.
