Prime Minister Ramgoolam Orders Nationwide Curfew After Mauritius Riots

Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam ordered a nationwide curfew in Mauritius following the most severe riots the island has experienced in decades. The unrest began as peaceful demonstrations over water shortages and the rising cost of living but escalated into violence after a police officer shot and seriously wounded 27-year-old Elodie Thomas in the neck at a roadblock. The officer involved has since been arrested.

The violence spread across the island, involving road blockades with burning tires, the looting of supermarkets, and attacks on police stations and public infrastructure. In response, the government closed schools and public transport. While the curfew initially covered approximately one-third of the country, including the capital Port Louis and 10 administrative regions, it was later expanded to a nationwide mandate.

Ramgoolam alleged that drug traffickers financed some of the disturbances, though these claims remain unverified. He warned that those acting against the interests of the country would be held to account. While traffic resumed on Wednesday morning, the cabinet is scheduled to meet to determine further actions as water shortages are expected to persist until December. The British and French embassies have advised their citizens to avoid gatherings and exercise caution, while a team of Indian surgeons was dispatched to treat Thomas.