Mauritius imposes curfew to calm days of protests after woman shot by police

Mauritius has enacted an overnight curfew following a police shooting that sparked rare civil unrest on the island nation, renowned for its picturesque beaches and stable democracy. The incident, which occurred on Friday, led to days of protests in which demonstrators blocked roads, damaged public buildings, and clashed with police.

A paramilitary Special Mobile Force police unit was deployed to quell the unrest. The curfew, which was lifted on Wednesday, mandated that residents of the capital city, Port Louis, and several other towns remain indoors from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. The protests were initially sparked by water shortages and high living costs but intensified after the shooting in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, southwest of Port Louis.

The injured woman was hospitalized, and police arrested one officer, suspended three others, and initiated an investigation into the shooting. The three suspended officers were cited for "failing to provide assistance to a person whose life was in danger." Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who ordered the curfew, cautioned during a televised address that those involved in violent activities would face severe repercussions.

Although several arrests were reported, no specific numbers were provided, and there were no immediate reports of injuries aside from the woman who was shot. Schools and public transportation services were also suspended during the protests.