Mauritius has extended its island-wide curfew for two more nights after riots and looting triggered by protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living escalated into the country’s worst unrest since 1999.
The government has not announced when normal activities will fully resume beyond the current curfew schedule and school closures.
Schools will remain closed for the rest of the week, except for students sitting international examinations. The government is considering additional measures to prevent a further escalation of violence. Regulations are being amended to restrict the sale of petrol to customers carrying portable containers, after gasoline was reportedly used to make Molotov cocktails during the riots. The measures come as the government seeks to restore order following several days of demonstrations and violence. The shooting incident that preceded the escalation has drawn condemnation from Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
The government said the curfew would remain in force from 8:30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday until 5 am the following morning across the island’s main population centers. The Mauritius Police Force said 94 people had been arrested since the riots began. The government has warned that anyone violating the curfew could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Mauritian rupees, equivalent to about $1,050, under the curfew order.
“Our units responded promptly and several arrests have already been made,” the police said in an earlier statement. In a subsequent statement, authorities said offenders could also face prosecution under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Police said the situation was under control, although some incidents were reported in parts of the island overnight on Wednesday.
