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Mauritius Extends Curfew After Unrest Over Police Shooting

The move follows days of protests about water shortages and rising costs that intensified after a police officer wounded 27-year-old Elodie Thomas and signals a tougher push to restore order.

Overview

  • A police officer shot and wounded 27‑year‑old Elodie Thomas while she was stopped at a roadblock on October 9, and she underwent surgery to remove a bullet.
  • What began as week‑long demonstrations over water cuts and higher living costs escalated into widespread clashes, with protesters blocking roads, burning tyres, looting and damaging public buildings in scenes described as the worst unrest since 1999.
  • The government imposed an overnight curfew for Port Louis and other population centres on October 13 and has extended it for additional nights while most schools remain closed for the week.
  • Authorities mobilized the paramilitary Special Mobile Force, the police say they have arrested one sergeant and suspended three other officers in connection with the shooting, and an official investigation is ongoing.
  • Officials have reported roughly 94 arrests linked to the unrest and are considering stricter measures such as heavier curfew penalties, prosecutions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, limits on petrol sales and lowering the detention age, while foreign offices have updated travel advice.