Authorities in Mauritius have instituted a nighttime curfew across major parts of the country after the shooting of a local woman by a police officer sparked sudden public unrest overnight. The tropical Indian Ocean island, typically known for its political stability and popularity among international tourists, has seen a rare outbreak of civil friction.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced during a national address that the curfew would be enforced from 8:30 pm local time until 6:00 am. According to the Ministry of Education, the unfolding turmoil prompted the temporary closure of several schools across the island as a precautionary measure against escalating tensions.

The restrictions primarily impact the capital city of Port Louis and densely populated commercial hubs. Local media reports indicate that a police sergeant has been charged in connection with the shooting of 27-year-old Elodie Thomas, though comprehensive details regarding the precise catalyst for the confrontation remain undisclosed.

Thomas was reportedly wounded in the southern sector of the capital while commuting home from work in a van. The Health Ministry confirmed that she underwent a successful surgical procedure to remove the bullet. Protesters reacted to the incident on Monday by burning tires and blockading thoroughfares, prompting a heavy deployment of law enforcement personnel. *

While the office of the prime minister alleged that normalcy had been restored and public sector operations would proceed as scheduled, independent oversight remains limited. Mauritian police stated that an active investigation is ongoing, and Ramgoolam's cabinet is reportedly scheduled to convene to review the developing security crisis.

Source: www.aljazeera.com