Mauritius Curfew Lifted: Minor Incidents Overnight, Police Say Situation Is Under Control
Police report 'a few incidents' in some regions during the curfew night, but say order has been maintained as restrictions are lifted.
Mauritius has lifted its overnight curfew following a tense period of civil unrest, with police confirming that while "a few incidents" were recorded in certain regions during the night, the overall situation remains under control.
The curfew, which ran from 8:30pm to 6am, was imposed as authorities moved to contain civil disorder that had broken out in parts of the island. The Mauritius Police Force said the incidents were isolated and did not represent a widespread breakdown of order.
No further details were immediately provided by police regarding the nature or exact locations of the incidents, or whether any arrests were made in connection with overnight disturbances.
The lifting of the curfew marks a cautious return to normality for residents across Mauritius, many of whom had been confined to their homes since the restrictions were put in place. During the curfew period, authorities had warned that breaching the order carried penalties of up to five years in prison under Mauritian law.
The unrest had prompted concern from business leaders and government officials alike. Business Mauritius, the private sector umbrella body, had issued guidance to employers about workplace arrangements during the curfew. Metro Express, the capital's light rail service, also suspended operations during this period, with a restart expected within a week.
Looting incidents were reported at several locations, including Winners supermarket in Bambous and Cascavelle Shopping Mall in the west of the island. Police made multiple arrests in connection with those incidents, including two minors among those detained after the Cascavelle looting.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had warned publicly that illegal acts would carry serious consequences, while prominent business figure Arnaud Lagesse appealed for calm and national unity during the crisis.
Authorities also warned that a specific group had been actively inciting violence, suggesting the unrest was not entirely spontaneous.
What this means: The lifting of the curfew is a positive signal that authorities believe the immediate security threat has subsided. However, residents should remain alert to any updated guidance from the Mauritius Police Force, particularly in areas where incidents were reported overnight. Those who breached curfew rules remain liable to prosecution under Mauritian law.
Source: Le DΓ©fi Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the curfew in Mauritius been lifted?β
Yes. The overnight curfew in Mauritius, which ran from 8:30pm to 6am, has been lifted. Police confirmed that a few isolated incidents occurred during the night in certain regions but said the overall situation is under control.
What happened during the Mauritius curfew night?β
The Mauritius Police Force reported 'a few incidents' in some regions during the curfew hours, but said these were isolated and that the situation remained under control. Prior to the final curfew night, looting incidents had been recorded at locations including Winners in Bambous and Cascavelle Mall, leading to several arrests.
What are the penalties for breaking the curfew in Mauritius?β
Under Mauritian law, breaching a curfew order carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Police had actively enforced the restriction during the period it was in effect.
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