Police shooting, water shortages, rising costs: Mauritius extends curfew amid unrest

Mauritius on Thursday extended a curfew for a further two nights following unrest triggered by the police shooting of a woman, as the African island nation grapples with protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living.The demonstrations began last week and escalated after a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman in Camp Levieux, a densely populated residential neighbourhood about 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of the capital, Port Louis.The officer was arrested and taken into custody as authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, the incident fuelled further tensions, prompting authorities to impose an initial curfew from 8:30 pm on Tuesday until 6 am on Wednesday.Police are set to strengthen their presence, particularly in areas affected by violence, while reinforcing roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, according to a government statement.“Police will step up measures and will act firmly, as appropriate, to contain further escalation of violence,” the statement said.Over 100 arrested in 2 days; schools shutThe Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, cited a police report indicating that 94 peop...