Mauritius has extended a curfew for two more nights following protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living, after a woman was shot and injured by police during demonstrations. Security measures have been increased across the country.

The protests, which began last week in the densely populated Camp Levieux area, about 15 kilometres south of the capital Port Louis, intensified after a 27-year-old woman was shot by police on Friday. The police officer involved in the incident was detained, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing.

Following a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, the Cabinet decided to extend the curfew in designated areas on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8:30 pm until 5:00 am the following morning. The measure is expected to end on Friday morning.

Dozens detained as security measures tightened

According to a government statement citing police reports, 94 people, including 16 children and one police officer, had been detained by Tuesday. Authorities said another 26 people were arrested during operations carried out on Wednesday night, while all roadblocks had been removed by Thursday morning.

Security forces are expected to strengthen their presence, particularly in areas affected by violence, while road barriers and vehicle checkpoints will be reinforced.

The government said necessary measures would be taken to prevent further escalation of violence and that those involved in unrest would face legal action.

Authorities also said some detainees could be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, depending on the circumstances of their cases. A mechanism has been established to speed up legal proceedings following consultations between judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Water shortages and inflation fuel protests

The main issues behind the protests include declining water resources and rising living costs.

According to government data released on October 8, water levels in the country's reservoirs had fallen to 57.1 per cent, compared with 87.4 per cent during the same period last year. The level at the Mare aux Vacoas reservoir, the country’s largest, was reported at 35.7 per cent.

Authorities announced emergency measures to address the water shortage, including drilling new wells and deploying water tankers.

Data from Statistics Mauritius showed that annual inflation rose to 4.1 per cent in September, up from 3.4 per cent during the same period last year, with increases in fuel and food prices contributing to the rise.

Schools suspended classes

Due to security concerns, schools across Mauritius were closed on Thursday and Friday. Some primary and secondary school examinations scheduled for those dates were also postponed, affecting certain exams in Mauritius as well as the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega.

International examinations will continue as planned.

The government said it was considering amendments to the Child Act after noting that some children had been involved in the unrest. The proposed changes could lower the minimum age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12.

Meanwhile, the Trade Ministry restricted the sale of fuel in portable containers, although drivers were allowed to refuel their vehicles normally. Police have also been monitoring social media for hate speech and content encouraging violence.

Tourism and financial services face risks

Tourism and financial services are among the main pillars of Mauritius’ economy. The island nation is regarded as one of Africa’s more politically stable democracies, although it experienced days of unrest in 1999 following the death of a popular musician while in police custody.

The United Kingdom and Canada advised their citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that disruptions to transportation could occur. Canadian authorities said new demonstrations could be organized with little or no advance notice.

The US Embassy in Port Louis also issued a security alert on Tuesday, announcing the cancellation of some services and advising visitors to arrange appointments before going to the embassy.(ILKHA)