Madar (Port Louis) - Mauritius on Monday, October 19, 2026, lifted a nighttime curfew imposed last week amid a rare wave of violent demonstrations, Al Jazeera reported, citing AFP.
The office of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said the "favourable evolution of the situation" had allowed the curfew to end, adding that "the curfew currently in effect will not be extended, effective today." According to the British government, the curfews covered most areas of the main island in the evenings and overnight from October 12 to October 18, ending early on Monday.
The protests began last week over water shortages and the rising cost of living, but violence erupted after a police officer shot and seriously wounded a woman during a rally. Authorities said the officer has been arrested and brought to court.
At least 188 people were arrested in the following days on charges including looting, arson, damage to police stations and possession of explosives. A local tour operator confirmed that roads had reopened, schools were running as usual and daily life was back on track.
Mauritius is usually viewed as a model of stability and prosperity in Africa, and its last major unrest was in 1999, when a renowned singer died in police custody. The British government urged travellers to the holiday destination to stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
