Mauritius Lifts Curfew After Unrest
The Facts
- Mauritius lifted its nighttime curfew Monday after Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's office cited an improved situation in the country after days of unrest. At least 188 people have been arrested during the turmoil on charges including looting, arson and possession of explosives.
- Mauritius' cabinet shortened the nightly curfew to 10 p.m.–4:30 a.m. on Friday and approved a proposal to amend the Police Act, allowing authorities to impose curfews nationwide rather than only in designated areas.
- Police reported calm across the island on Thursday, with all roads passable, though schools remained closed through Friday. An Oxford Economics analyst described the unrest as a temporary disruption rather than a lasting change to Mauritius' investment outlook.
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The Spin
Pro-government narrative
A week of rioting doesn't erase decades of stability, and lifting the curfew so quickly shows the system can respond effectively under pressure. Mauritius still ranks among the world's best places to live, ahead of the U.S., the U.K. and Canada on taxes, safety and climate. This established tourism and financial hub shouldn't be written off over one turbulent stretch.
Government-critical narrative
Reputation means nothing when taps run dry and grocery bills keep climbing — that's the real story behind the worst riots in decades. Shooting a woman at a roadblock, then answering outrage with terrorism charges and talk of detaining children, treats anger as treason rather than addressing its causes. The government should focus on the hardships driving people into the streets.
