- Mauritius extended overnight curfews following civil unrest.
- Curfew runs from 10.00pm to 4.30am through 19 October.
- Unrest began over water shortages and cost of living.
- A police shooting of Élodie Thomas escalated demonstrations.
- At least 94 people have been arrested.
Mauritius has extended overnight curfews across most of the main island following its worst civil unrest in nearly three decades. The current restrictions run from 10.00pm to 4.30am for the nights of Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October officially ending on Monday morning 19 October. The curfew covers most areas of the main island including major population centres and the capital Port Louis.
The tension originally started over worsening water shortages and the rising cost of living. Demonstrations escalated significantly after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman Élodie Thomas in the residential neighbourhood of Camp Levieux. The incident triggered widespread rioting, looting and clashes with authorities.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam deployed the paramilitary Special Mobile Force and instituted the curfews to restore order. At least 94 people have been arrested and schools have remained closed for the week. The situation on the ground has largely calmed and roads have been cleared. Official government bodies advise travellers and residents to remain indoors during curfew hours and stay away from large public gatherings.
