Mauritius Curfew Lifted After PMO Announcement

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Mauritius has announced the lifting of the curfew that had been in place across the island. The official communication confirmed that the restrictions on movement, which had required residents to remain at home during designated hours, are now at an end.

The curfew had been enforced as a public health or public order measure, requiring Mauritians to stay indoors during set periods and granting authorities the power to arrest those found in breach of the rules without a valid reason. Violations of the curfew had led to arrests and court proceedings against a number of individuals during the period the restrictions were active.

The PMO, which is the executive office of the Prime Minister of Mauritius and the central body responsible for major government policy announcements, issued the notice to formally bring the curfew period to a close. The announcement marks a return to unrestricted movement for residents across the country.

Curfew regulations in Mauritius are typically enforced by the Mauritius Police Force, with officers stationed at roadblocks and conducting patrols to ensure compliance. Breaches during the curfew period resulted in prosecutions under the relevant emergency or public order legislation.

What this means: For ordinary Mauritians, the end of the curfew means freedom of movement is fully restored at all hours. Businesses that had been affected by restricted trading hours can now return to normal operations. Those with pending legal cases related to curfew breaches will still face proceedings in the courts, as the lifting of the curfew does not automatically dismiss charges already filed.

The announcement will be welcomed by residents, workers with irregular hours, and businesses across the hospitality, retail and transport sectors that were most directly affected by the movement restrictions.

Source: Le Defi Media