The government of Mauritius today lifted the curfew that had been in effect since last Wednesday, based on a 'favorable assessment' of the situation after outbreaks of violent demonstrations.
In a statement published today by the office of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, it was announced that the current curfew would not be extended from today.
The situation in Mauritius, where protests were occurring, particularly against water shortages and rising cost of living, escalated after a woman was seriously injured by a gunshot by a police officer on Saturday, October 10.
According to the government, subsequent incidents included looting, illegal possession of explosives, curfew violations, and 'fires or damage to police stations.'
Following the wave of protests, on October 16, the Mauritian government extended the curfew for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings across approximately one-third of the main island, which had been imposed at the beginning of the week.
According to data provided by the police to the AFP news agency, a total of 188 people were detained in connection with acts of violence.
Lessons that were suspended on Thursday and Friday in primary and secondary schools across the country resumed today.
The police officer, who eyewitnesses claim fired on October 10 without prior warning into the area of the woman's neck, has been detained and brought to court.
Mauritius, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean considered a model of stability and prosperity on the African continent and whose GDP per capita is one of the highest in Africa, previously experienced riots in 1999 following the death of a singer in prison.