The government of Mauritius has extended the curfew to two additional areas, Saint-Pierre and Quartier-Militaire, as part of its efforts to maintain law and order. This decision was made under the Curfew (No. 2) Order 2026, published in the Government Gazette on October 14, 2026. The new regulations, issued by the Commissioner of Police with the Minister's approval, will be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the nights of October 14-15 and October 15-16.
With the inclusion of Saint-Pierre and Quartier-Militaire, a total of 17 areas in Mauritius are now affected by the curfew. The list of affected areas includes Port Louis, Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, Quatre Bornes/Palma, Vacoas/Phoenix, Curepipe/Forest Side, Mahébourg/Vieux Grand Port, Chemin Grenier/Bel Ombre, Case Noyale/Black River, Bambous, Petite Rivière, La Gaulette, Flacq/Argy, Goodlands, Grand Gaube, and Triolet. Residents in these areas are required to remain at home during curfew hours.
However, there are several exemptions to the curfew, including for essential service workers, law enforcement officers, medical staff, pharmacists, and individuals who need to travel for medical reasons or to obtain essential supplies. Travel to and from SSR International Airport and the Port of Port Louis is also permitted, subject to the conditions set out in the regulations. Those found guilty of violating the curfew regulations could face a fine of up to Rs 50,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.
The decision to extend the curfew comes after incidents during Tuesday night's curfew, in which 93 people, including 15 minors, were arrested. Of those arrested, 43 remain in custody and are expected to appear before their respective district courts. These figures are still provisional, with further updates expected in the coming hours. The incidents and subsequent arrests highlight the need for continued measures to maintain public safety.
In a related development, the Transport Minister has confirmed that buses will resume service at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, and candidates facing difficulties will be able to request assistance via WhatsApp. This move aims to support students who are scheduled to take their SC and HSC exams. Candidates who arrive late at their examination centers due to transport difficulties will not be penalized.
The extension of the curfew and the incidents that led to it demonstrate the ongoing challenges facing Mauritius in maintaining public safety and order. The government's efforts to address these challenges, including the exemptions for essential services and the support for exam candidates, aim to balance security needs with the needs of citizens.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to the curfew regulations. The government has urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining public safety and order. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, with adjustments likely to be made as the situation dictates.
Key points
- The curfew in Mauritius has been extended to 17 areas, including Saint-Pierre and Quartier-Militaire.
- A total of 93 people, including 15 minors, were arrested during Tuesday night's curfew incidents.
- Exemptions to the curfew include essential service workers, medical staff, and individuals traveling for medical reasons or to obtain essential supplies.
