Roads Return to Normal as Mauritius Curfew Ends

Traffic began returning to normal across Mauritius after a nationwide curfew was lifted, with motorists cautiously returning to the roads in the hours following the end of restrictions.

The curfew, which had been imposed in response to civil unrest and incidents of looting in several parts of the island, kept most vehicles off the streets during the restricted hours. As the measures were lifted, road traffic picked up progressively, though the return to normality was gradual rather than immediate.

The curfew had covered the hours of 8:30pm to 6:00am and applied across the entire island of Mauritius. Under the Public Gathering Act and related emergency provisions, breaking the curfew carried a penalty of up to five years in prison — a measure authorities said was necessary to restore order.

During the curfew period, police maintained a visible presence on major roads and at key junctions to ensure compliance. The Mauritius Police Force had reported only minor incidents overnight, with a spokesperson stating the situation was under control.

Several incidents of looting had been reported in the days leading up to the curfew, including at commercial sites in Bambous and Cascavelle. Arrests were made in connection with those incidents, and authorities warned that anyone involved in illegal activity would face serious legal consequences.

Business Mauritius, the main private sector body on the island, had issued guidance to employers on how to manage working arrangements during the curfew period, with many businesses adjusting start times for Wednesday morning to allow employees to travel safely once restrictions lifted.

Students sitting the SC (School Certificate) and HSC (Higher School Certificate) national examinations — the equivalent of O-Levels and A-Levels — were also granted flexibility, with late arrivals permitted at examination centres on Wednesday morning given the exceptional circumstances.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, located at Plaisance in the south-east of the island, remained operational throughout the curfew, with passengers advised to arrive at least three hours before their flights.

What this means: The gradual return of traffic signals a cautious step back toward everyday life in Mauritius after an unsettled period. For residents, commuters, and businesses, the priority now is resuming normal operations while remaining aware that authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Visitors and expats should expect conditions to normalise quickly, though it is advisable to stay informed through official channels.

Source: Le Defi Media