Mauritius Extends Curfew Amid Ongoing Unrest

Mauritius has announced a further extension of its curfew to address ongoing unrest sparked by a police shooting that left a 27-year-old woman wounded during protests over water shortages and living costs. The island nation's authorities have also tightened security measures in an effort to restore order.

The protests began last week, but escalated on Friday when a police officer shot the woman in Camp Levieux, a densely populated residential area approximately 9 miles south of Port Louis, the capital city. This incident prompted widespread outrage and has been at the center of the unrest. The government is working to address public concerns about access to water and living costs.

The police officer involved in the shooting has been arrested and taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have yet to provide further details on their probe, but the move suggests they are taking steps to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

In response to the unrest, a special Cabinet meeting was convened by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The meeting led to the announcement of an initial curfew from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. This restriction on movement in designated areas was later extended until Thursday morning as part of efforts to maintain order.

The Cabinet reported that, through Tuesday, 94 people had been arrested, including 16 minors and one police officer, according to a police report cited by the government. Authorities also made 26 arrests during nighttime operations on Wednesday, with all roads reportedly cleared of obstructions by Thursday morning.

Security measures are being heightened across Mauritius, with police set to increase deployments to areas affected by violence. This decision was made in response to ongoing unrest that has gripped the island nation. Authorities have confirmed that a significant number of roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints will be reinforced.

The government has warned that it will take firm action to contain further escalation of violence. In a statement, officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order. Those arrested during recent nighttime operations are now facing charges under relevant legislation, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act where applicable.

A fast-track process for handling cases related to the unrest has been established following consultation between judicial and law enforcement officials. This move aims to bring those responsible for the violence to justice as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, emergency measures have been put in place to address the island's water shortages, including drilling boreholes and deploying water tankers.

Statistics Mauritius reported a significant increase in annual inflation, rising to 4.1% in September from 3.4% a year earlier. Higher petrol and food prices are partly responsible for this uptick. The government has also restricted fuel sales in portable containers as part of its efforts to maintain public order.

Police are closely monitoring social media platforms for hate speech and incitement to violence, with authorities taking steps to address the involvement of minors in the unrest. The Cabinet is considering amending the Children's Act to lower the age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12 years old.

The ongoing unrest in Mauritius has led to significant disruptions in the country's education system, with the Education Ministry announcing that school classes will be canceled for Thursday and Friday due to security concerns.

Exams scheduled for those days on the island of Mauritius and its neighboring islands of Rodrigues and Agaléga have also been postponed, while international exams will proceed as planned. The ministry has stated that it will provide an update on when schools can reopen once the situation stabilizes.

The unrest is causing concern among tourists and travelers, with Britain and Canada issuing warnings to avoid demonstrations and potential transport disruptions. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis has also advised visitors to plan their trips in advance due to ongoing security concerns.