Mauritius Ends Nighttime Curfew After Week of Violent Protests

The Mauritian government announced on Monday that the nighttime curfew imposed last week has been lifted, citing a “favourable evolution of the situation.” The curfew, which had been in place since 12 October, ended at 4:30 a.m. on 19 October and will not be renewed, the prime minister’s office said.

The unrest that prompted the curfew began as peaceful demonstrations over water shortages and the rising cost of living. Violence escalated on Saturday after a police officer shot a woman in the neck, leaving her seriously injured. In the days that followed, authorities arrested at least 188 people on charges that included looting, arson, damage to police stations and possession of explosives. The officer responsible for the shooting has also been detained and brought before a court.

According to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, “The curfew currently in effect will not be extended, effective today.” A local tourism operator, Mauritius Tours, confirmed that roads are open, schools have resumed normal classes and daily life is back on track.

Mauritius is generally regarded as a stable and prosperous island nation in Africa, with the last major disturbance occurring in 1999 after a well‑known singer died while in police custody. The recent turmoil prompted the United Kingdom to update its travel advice, urging visitors to avoid demonstrations, steer clear of large public gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities. The British statement noted that “The Government of Mauritius introduced temporary curfews during the evenings and overnight, covering most areas of the main island, which lasted from 12 October to 18 October, ending at 4.30 a.m. on Monday 19 October.”