Curfew enforced in Mauritius following police shooting and protests
Mauritius has imposed a curfew affecting 10 regions after a police officer shot and seriously wounded a woman, triggering rare violent protests. The unrest follows ongoing demonstrations over water shortages and the rising cost of living. The officer has been arrested, and the woman is hospitalized after surgery by Indian doctors. Looting and attacks on police stations were reported before the curfew began.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-10-13
Mauritius imposed a curfew on Tuesday evening covering roughly a third of the island following violent protests sparked by a police officer shooting a woman in the neck, Africanews reported on October 14, 2026.
The shooting incident, which seriously wounded the woman, led to widespread unrest. The officer responsible was arrested and brought before the courts. Indian surgeons dispatched to Mauritius successfully removed the bullet, and the woman remains hospitalized.
Prior to the shooting, protests had erupted over water shortages and rising living costs, with demonstrators blocking roads using burning tyres. After the shooting, violence escalated with looting reported at supermarkets and attacks on police stations, injuring several officers.
The curfew, effective Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning, affects 10 administrative regions mainly on the outskirts of towns. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam condemned the unrest, vowing to hold instigators accountable.
Both the British and French embassies in Mauritius have warned their nationals to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution amid the tensions. No further violence was reported after the curfew began.
Mauritius, known for its stability and economic growth driven by tourism, textiles, and finance, has recently faced challenges including protests related to essential services and cost of living increases.