Mauritius lifts curfew imposed amid wave of violent protests
News Source
β’Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:04:14 +0000
π° What Happened
Mauritius has lifted a nighttime curfew put in place last week during rare violent protests. The government said on Monday the situation had improved enough to end it. The curfew ran out at 4:30am and was not extended.
Schools reopened and roads are open again. At least 188 people were arrested on charges including looting, arson, damage to police stations and having explosives.
π The Backstory
The protests began over water shortages and the rising cost of living. Violence grew after a police officer shot and badly wounded a woman on Saturday. The officer has been arrested and taken to court.
Mauritius is usually seen as a model of stability and prosperity in Africa. Its tourism trade depends on that image, so unrest hits the economy as well as daily life.
π― Why It Matters
The curfew is over, but the anger about water and prices has not gone away. Small island states feel price shocks and dry spells quickly.
Mauritius has lifted a nighttime curfew put in place last week during rare violent protests. The government said on Monday the situation had improved enough to end it. The curfew ran out at 4:30am and was not extended.
Schools reopened and roads are open again. At least 188 people were arrested on charges including looting, arson, damage to police stations and having explosives.
The protests began over water shortages and the rising cost of living. Violence grew after a police officer shot and badly wounded a woman on Saturday. The officer has been arrested and taken to court.
Mauritius is usually seen as a model of stability and prosperity in Africa. Its tourism trade depends on that image, so unrest hits the economy as well as daily life.
The curfew is over, but the anger about water and prices has not gone away. Small island states feel price shocks and dry spells quickly.