In brief
Mauritius has experienced its worst riots in decades after a woman was shot by police during protests over water shortages and the cost of living. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam imposed an overnight curfew and declared that those who acted against the nation’s interests will face heavy consequences. Police arrested the officer involved while the government measures to restore order included closing schools and public transport. Despite the curfew, incidents persisted overnight, but by Wednesday traffic resumed and officials urged citizens to return to normal activities. The government now faces a cabinet meeting to reassess the situation as water shortages are expected to linger until the rainy season.
Police in Mauritius imposed an overnight curfew to quell the worst riots in decades.
Peaceful protests over water shortages and the high cost of living that began a week ago erupted into violence on Friday when a woman was shot and wounded by police at a roadblock. The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear; the officer involved has since been arrested and remanded in custody.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ordered the curfew on Tuesday, warning that those who acted against the interests of the country would face heavy consequences. He urged citizens that the unrest had been severe for the first time since around 1999.
Protesters burned tyres, blocked roads, and vandalised police stations and other public infrastructure. The unrest prompted the closure of schools and public transport, and foreign embassies issued warnings to their nationals.
Despite the curfew, police said there were several incidents overnight and a number of arrests. By Wednesday morning traffic was moving again, with officials urging residents to resume normal activities.
When protests began, the government had responded by increasing water supplies to households, analysts said. However, water shortages are expected to persist until the rainy season in December, adding to the uncertainty of future unrest.
The cabinet is due to meet on Wednesday afternoon to reassess the situation and decide on next steps.
