Mauritius Police: Roads Open and Order Restored After Unrest

Mauritius Police have declared that the situation is under control and that nearly all roads across the island are now passable, following a turbulent night of civil unrest that saw incidents reported in multiple regions. In an official statement, the Police Force confirmed that calm has largely been restored and that road access — which had been disrupted by blockades, debris, and fires in several areas — has been re-established in almost all parts of the country. **What happened?** Monday night saw serious unrest spread across Mauritius, with incidents reported in areas including Abercrombie, Sainte-Croix, Pointe-aux-Sables, and Grand-Gaube. Roads were blocked, fires were set, and there were reports of looting. The Abercrombie police station was damaged, and at least one police constable was injured during the disturbances. The unrest also had significant knock-on effects: school examinations — including the national SC (School Certificate) and HSC (Higher School Certificate) exams — were postponed on Tuesday, and bus services were disrupted across the island during the morning. **Police response** Security forces were deployed across affected areas overnight. By Tuesday, the Police Force indicated that order had been restored and that road conditions were returning to normal. Arrests were made in connection with the incidents. Civil society figure Bruneau Laurette also reported that the situation in Sainte-Croix had come under control, following his presence in the area during the unrest. **What this means for residents** For most people in Mauritius, the police statement signals that it should be safe to travel and return to daily routines. However, residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid affected neighbourhoods if unnecessary, and follow updates from official sources such as the Mauritius Police Force and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The PMO had separately confirmed that the civil service would operate normally on Tuesday, suggesting authorities were confident enough in the restored calm to resume government functions. The full extent of the damage, the number of arrests made, and the underlying causes of the unrest are still emerging. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming days. Source: Le Defi Media