Ramgoolam Orders Mauritius Curfew From 8:30pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has announced an overnight curfew, effective from 8:30pm on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday morning. The announcement was made amid a period of heightened tension and public unrest on the island.

The curfew restricts movement across designated areas of Mauritius during the specified hours. Residents are required to remain indoors for the duration of the overnight ban, with exemptions applying to certain essential services and workers.

Ramgoolam, who leads the Labour Party and has served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Mauritius, made the announcement as authorities moved to restore order and ensure public safety. The government has been holding emergency sessions to manage the unfolding situation.

The curfew comes at a particularly sensitive time, with the Hindu festival of Durga Puja under way. Temples across the island had been asked to conclude prayers by 8pm Tuesday, ahead of the curfew's start time, to allow worshippers to return home safely before restrictions took effect.

Essential services are expected to continue operating. Bread deliveries were confirmed to resume from 6am Wednesday once the curfew lifts, and public transport was also set to restart at the same time, allowing residents to move around again as the morning begins.

Schools across Mauritius were closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, though national SC (School Certificate) and HSC (Higher School Certificate) examinations were confirmed to go ahead as scheduled, given their critical importance to students' academic futures. Pearson Edexcel exams were similarly confirmed to proceed.

All crèches in Mauritius were ordered to remain closed on Wednesday in light of the security situation.

Authorities made a number of arrests in connection with incidents of looting and theft reported during the unrest. Two individuals were arrested for alcohol theft in the areas of Coteau-Raffin and La Gaulette, reflecting the law enforcement response being mounted across the island.

The Council of Ministers — Mauritius's cabinet — was scheduled to convene again on Wednesday to assess the situation and determine next steps.

What this means: A curfew of this kind is a rare but significant measure in Mauritius, a country that normally enjoys a stable and peaceful public environment. Residents, tourists, and businesses should plan around the overnight restrictions, follow official guidance, and monitor announcements regarding exemptions, transport, and the lifting of the curfew. Visitors staying in hotels or rental accommodation should liaise with their hosts about any practical implications during the curfew period.

Source: Le Defi Media