Mauritius has imposed a curfew in several areas after a police shooting of a woman sparked public outrage and overnight riots. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said the curfew would run from 8:30 p.m. local time (16:30 GMT) until 6 a.m. the following morning (02:00 GMT) in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday.
According to the Education Ministry, several schools on the Indian Ocean island nation were forced to close on Tuesday amid the unrest. The curfew applies to the capital, Port Louis, and major population centres on the popular tourist island, where public riots are rare.
Local media reported that a police sergeant has been charged in connection with the shooting of Elodie Thomas, 27, but did not provide details on what led to the incident. Thomas was wounded south of the capital while travelling home from work in a van. The Health Ministry said Thomas underwent successful surgery to remove the bullet.
On Monday, protesters burned tyres and blocked roads in demonstration against the shooting, prompting police to deploy forces. The Prime Minister's Office said the situation had returned to normal and the public sector would operate as usual after the night of unrest.
According to Reuters, Mauritius police said an investigation into the incident is under way. Prime Minister Ramgoolam's Cabinet is expected to meet on Wednesday to assess the situation.
