Port of Louis: Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced in a televised address on Tuesday evening that a curfew would be in effect in the country from 8:30 p.m. local time Tuesday until 6:00 a.m. local time Wednesday.
The measure comes after incidents occurred in several localities across the country since Monday evening, during which individuals set fire to various objects, blocked roads, vandalised police stations and shops, and torched vehicles.
In his address, Ramgoolam condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and called on the public to demonstrate "the greatest solidarity," stressing that "peace and harmony in the country depend on every Mauritian."
According to the prime minister, information from multiple sources and the police indicates that the incidents were allegedly orchestrated by a group of people "funded and sent by drug traffickers who feel threatened by police actions."
"They are preparing to cause disorder again tonight, and that is why the Cabinet has decided, in the interest of and for the safety of the population, to impose a curfew from 8:30 p.m. tonight until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow," Ramgoolam said.
He said special arrangements had been made to accommodate medical emergencies and essential services, adding that the Cabinet would meet again on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. local time to decide on the next steps.
The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation reported that the curfew would apply to several areas across the country, including the capital, Port Louis.
The acts of violence come amid tensions over water supply difficulties and public outrage over the shooting and injury of Elodie Thomas, a 27-year-old woman, during an incident involving a police officer on Friday. According to reports, Thomas was shot without any apparent justification.