Mauritius Faces Worst Riots in Decades as Police Shoot Woman

Wed Oct 21 2026 16:23:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A police shooting sparks violent protests over water shortages, leading to a curfew and national emergency on the Indian Ocean island.

On a quiet Tuesday, the Mauritian government imposed an overnight curfew to calm the most intense riots since the 1990s. A peaceable demonstration over water scarcity escalated when a woman was shot by police at a roadblock, an incident that has led to the arrest of the officer involved. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam warned against anti‑patriotic acts while authorities blame protesters for destroying public property, revoking school and transport services, and prompting embassy safety alerts. Though order is reportedly returning by Wednesday morning, talks remain about reopening damaged infrastructure and controlling water supplies until the rainy season.

Mauritius faces worst riots in decades after police shooting

On a routine Tuesday, the Mauritian government imposed an overnight curfew in an attempt to quell the most intense civil unrest since the 1990s. The backdrop was a series of peaceful protests over water shortages and rising living costs that spiralled into violence when a woman was shot and wounded by police at a roadblock.

Details of the shooting remain murky, but the officer has already been arrested and placed in custody. The incident has intensified the already volatile atmosphere.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who declared the curfew, warned that those "acting against the interests of the country" would face "heavy consequences". He described the unrest as an act of anti‑patriotic aggression.

The unrest has taken a toll on infrastructure: protesters have set fire to tires, blocked roads, and vandalised police stations and other public buildings. As a result, schools and public transport services were halted and foreign embassies issued safety alerts for their citizens.

Police report that despite the curfew, there were several incidents overnight and a number of arrests were made. By Wednesday morning reports indicated that traffic was flowing again and officials encouraged residents to resume normal activities.

Analysts say the government's reaction—closing schools, tight curfew, and mobilising security—mirrors a similar crackdown from 1999 and is deemed necessary given the unprecedented scale of the protests. However, experts caution that water shortages will persist until the December rains, leaving a lingering risk of renewed demonstrations.

The cabinet is scheduled to meet on Wednesday afternoon to re‑evaluate the situation and decide on the next steps. Meanwhile, the world watches as Mauritius balances its role as a tourism and financial services hub against escalating domestic turmoil.