news 14 October 2026 Nile Post
Mauritius Imposes Curfew Amidst Worst Riots in Decades Following Police Shooting
Mauritius is grappling with its most severe civil unrest in decades after a protest over water shortages and the cost of living turned violent. The situation escalated when a woman was shot by police, leading to widespread riots and the imposition of an overnight curfew. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/378411/mauritius-reels-from-worst-riots-in-decades-after-woman-shot-by-police
Police in Mauritius have imposed an overnight curfew to bring an end to the worst riots the Indian Ocean island nation has experienced in decades. The unrest, which began as peaceful demonstrations against water shortages and the rising cost of living, erupted into violence on Friday.
The turning point for the protests occurred when a woman was shot and injured by police at a roadblock. While the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, the officer involved has since been arrested and taken into custody.
In response to the escalating chaos, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ordered a curfew on Tuesday. He issued a stern warning to those engaging in “anti-patriotic acts,” emphasizing the severe consequences they would face. The nation, a key hub for tourism and financial services, has seen protesters burning tires and blocking roads, with police stations and public infrastructure being vandalized.
The disturbances led to the closure of schools and public transport, and foreign embassies issued cautionary alerts to their citizens. Despite the curfew, several incidents were reported overnight, resulting in further arrests.
However, by Wednesday morning, authorities reported that traffic flow had resumed across the island, and citizens were encouraged to return to their normal activities. Analysts note that while the government initially responded to water shortages by increasing supply, the scale of the recent protests is unprecedented since 1999. The situation remains precarious, with water shortages anticipated to continue until the rainy season in December, leaving open the possibility of renewed demonstrations.
The cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday afternoon to further assess the evolving situation and determine the appropriate course of action. The nation watches closely as it navigates this period of significant civil unrest.