Mauritius extends curfew as protests over police violence escalate

Authorities in Mauritius extended the nighttime curfew on Wednesday after civil unrest erupted across the island, with the situation remaining tense following a police officer's shooting of a woman in the Camp Levieux district. The incident sparked immediate public backlash and triggered demonstrations in multiple locations, prompting security forces to intensify their presence in affected areas.

Police reported over 100 arrests linked to the disturbances, while schools remained closed Thursday as a precautionary measure. Officials cited security concerns as the reason for the educational suspension, suggesting widespread disruption to normal activity.

The curfew extension underscores deepening public frustration over multiple issues confronting the Indian Ocean island. Beyond the police shooting, residents have grown increasingly vocal about the sharp rise in living costs that has strained household budgets. Simultaneously, Mauritius faces a critical water crisis, with shortages affecting communities across the territory and compounding concerns about essential service delivery.

The combination of escalating law enforcement tensions, economic pressures, and resource scarcity has created a volatile atmosphere that authorities appear determined to contain through the extended curfew measures. Officials have not announced a timeline for lifting the restrictions.