Mauritius imposes curfew to calm days of protests after woman shot by police

Mauritius imposed an overnight curfew in its capital and major towns after a police shooting fueled rare civil unrest on the Indian Ocean islandByMICHELLE GUMEDE Associated PressOctober 14, 2026, 1:22 PMJOHANNESBURG -- JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Mauritius imposed an overnight curfew after a police shooting fueled rare civil unrest on the Indian Ocean island, better known as an idyllic holiday destination and one of Africa’s most stable democracies.Police said on Wednesday that the situation was under control and the curfew had been lifted after days of protests that intensified when an officer shot and wounded a woman on Friday.Protesters clashed with police, blocked roads with burning tires and other debris, and damaged public buildings, according to local reports. Videos published by a Mauritian news outlet showed protesters firing what appeared to be fireworks at police officers.The paramilitary Special Mobile Force police unit was mobilized.The curfew required everyone in the capital, Port Louis, and several other towns to remain indoors from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.The protests began last week over water shortages and the cost of living but escalated after the shooti...