Curfew, violence, arrests... What is happening on Mauritius?

Mauritius is experiencing a wave of violence against a backdrop of social tensions. For several days, demonstrations against water shortages and the rising cost of living have shaken this archipelago in the Indian Ocean, usually considered one of the most stable countries in Africa. The situation worsened on Saturday, when a police officer seriously injured a woman by shooting, provoking new clashes.

Faced with these unrest, the Mauritian government decided on Wednesday to extend the curfew in ten administrative regions, representing approximately a third of the territory. Already applied since Tuesday evening, these restrictions will remain in force on the nights of Wednesday and Thursday until 5 a.m. The authorities also announced the suspension of classes on Thursday and Friday in all nurseries and primary and secondary establishments in the country.

Drug traffickers act in the shadows

The violence notably targeted several police stations. Looting, fires and damage were recorded, as well as possession of explosive substances and non-compliance with the curfew. In total, 94 people have been arrested since the start of the unrest, including 84 on Tuesday alone. According to police sources, drug traffickers finance drug addicts to attack police stations.

In a televised address Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam called for respect for public order. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands or take the law into their own hands,” he declared, assuring that he would be “intransigent towards drug traffickers who add fuel to the fire.” The government is even considering lowering from 14 to 12 the age allowing the detention and legal prosecution of minors, due to their involvement in the riots.

A police officer’s shot caused the conflagration

One of the events causing the worsening tensions dates back to Saturday evening. According to several witnesses, a police officer shot a woman without warning, hitting her in the neck. The victim, seriously injured, remains hospitalized. The official involved was arrested and brought to justice. This incident occurred as demonstrations against difficulties in accessing water and the increase in the cost of living were already increasing in the country.

All the news from Mauritius