Mauritius rocked by worst riots since 1999: How police shooting sparked riots | Explained | Today’s news
Mauritius imposed a night-time curfew after protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living turned into violent clashes in what was described as the island nation’s worst unrest in decades.
The violence escalated after police shot and injured a woman at a roadblock, although the circumstances of the incident remain unclear.
The police officer involved was arrested and taken into custody, the BBC reported.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ordered a curfew on Tuesday and warned that those responsible for the violence would face severe consequences. The unrest has disrupted daily life across the Indian Ocean island, which is known for its tourism and financial services industries.
“Those who carried out these actions will have to face the very heavy consequences that their anti-patriotic actions warrant,” Ramgoolam said in an address to the nation, according to the BBC.
How did protests turn into riots?
The demonstrations began about a week ago, with residents protesting the lack of water and the rising cost of living. The situation worsened over the weekend when protesters reportedly blocked roads and set tires on fire.
The violence subsequently spread to public infrastructure and commercial establishments. Protesters reportedly used burning tires, furniture and mattresses to block roads.
The police station in Rose Hill was set on fire, while vehicles and businesses, including a McDonald’s outlet in Beau-Bassin, were vandalized or looted.
Authorities have deployed special mobile units, a paramilitary unit, to support local police.
According to reports, at least 10 people were arrested and three policemen were injured during the clashes.
The riots also forced the closure of schools and public transport services, while foreign embassies issued advisories urging their citizens to exercise caution.
The shooting of a woman at a roadblock has sparked protests. However, the circumstances of the incident were not fully established and the arrest of the policeman did not clarify the sequence of events.
Why is water scarcity fueling public anger?
Initial triggers for the demonstrations included water shortages. The government responded by increasing water supplies to households, but the protests escalated due to wider frustration over the cost of living and police shootings, the BBC reported.
The scale of the riots raised concerns about public order in Mauritius, where riots of this scale have been rare in recent decades.
What are the 1999 riots?
The current violence has drawn comparisons to the 1999 riots that erupted after the death of Kaya, a popular Mauritian musician known for pioneering the seggae genre, while in police custody.
Kaya’s death sparked widespread anger and days of unrest, making the episode a defining moment in the recent history of Mauritius. The recent riots have revived comparisons to that period because of their scale and the concerns they raise about police and public trust.
Despite the nighttime curfew, police reported more incidents and arrests. By Wednesday morning, however, traffic was moving around the island and authorities urged residents to resume their normal activities, the BBC reported.
The government now faces the challenge of restoring order while addressing the concerns that sparked the protests, particularly water shortages and the cost of living.
The cabinet was due to meet on Wednesday afternoon to review the situation and determine the next course of action, according to the BBC.
