Mauritius curfew lifted after Port Louis protests over water shortages and police shooting

Mauritius brought in an overnight curfew in Port Louis and other towns after protests turned violent. Unrest grew after a police officer shot and wounded a woman on Friday. Police said on Wednesday that order had returned and the curfew was lifted. The island is usually seen as calm and tourist-focused.

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The curfew kept people indoors from 8:30 pm Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ordered the restriction as clashes spread. Schools and public transport services were shut during the protests. Police said they made several arrests, but gave no figure.

Mauritius protests and curfew timeline

Demonstrations started last week over water shortages and rising living costs. The situation escalated after the shooting in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, southwest of Port Louis. Local reports said protesters fought police and blocked roads. Burning tyres and debris were used to stop traffic in some areas.

Some protesters also damaged public buildings, according to local reports. Videos shared by a Mauritian news outlet showed people launching what looked like fireworks at officers. Police moved in the paramilitary Special Mobile Force unit. Authorities said the streets were later brought under control.

Mauritius police shooting investigation and arrests

The injured woman was taken to hospital after the Friday shooting. Police said one officer was arrested and three others were suspended. A police statement said the three were suspended for failing to provide assistance to a person whose life was in danger. Police said the shooting was under investigation.

The national public prosecutor’s office said the probe should also include Special Mobile Force officers at the scene. Police said there were no reports of other injuries. The agency only mentioned the woman who was shot. Officials did not release details on charges or the officer’s identity.

Mauritius economy and past civil unrest

Mauritius depends heavily on financial services and tourism for income. The country is known for luxury beach resorts and political stability. The last similar unrest was in 1999. That episode followed the death of a popular musician in police custody, and led to days of riots.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Navin Ramgoolam warned those linked to violence and damage. "very heavy consequences.\" Police said the unrest had eased by Wednesday, after the curfew period ended. Authorities continued investigations and security checks as daily activity resumed.

With inputs from PTI