Blocked Road in Bambous: Curfew Law Means Up to 5 Years in Prison

A road obstruction was reported in Bambous, a town in the Black River district on the west coast of Mauritius, during the nationwide curfew imposed by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam from 8:30pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday.

The incident draws attention to the serious legal consequences that apply to anyone who blocks a public road or otherwise obstructs order during a curfew period. Under Mauritian law, offences committed in violation of curfew regulations — including obstructing a public road — can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.

Authorities have been clear that the curfew is not a symbolic measure. Police and government officials have repeatedly stated that the full force of the law will be applied to anyone found breaking its terms, whether by being out without authorisation, inciting unrest, or physically blocking roads and infrastructure.

Bambous sits along one of the main arterial routes connecting the west of the island to the capital Port Louis, making any obstruction there potentially disruptive to emergency services, authorised workers, and essential supply chains that are permitted to operate during curfew hours.

What this means: If you are in Mauritius during an active curfew and you block a road — whether as part of a protest, a dispute, or any other reason — you are not simply committing a traffic offence. You are potentially committing a criminal act under curfew legislation, with courts empowered to impose sentences of up to five years in prison. The same maximum penalty applies to breaking curfew in general. Residents across the island are strongly advised to remain indoors and to keep all public access routes clear until the curfew is officially lifted.

Source: Le Defi Media