Mauritius begins return to normalcy after week of unrest

Mauritius is experiencing a gradual return to normalcy following a week of violence, vandalism, and civil unrest. While many activities are resuming, the government has maintained a curfew to prevent further disturbances following two nights of significant violence on October 13 and 14.

Public services and education are slowly restarting. The Metro Express has resumed its regular schedule, and schools, including higher education institutions and Polytechnics Mauritius, are reopening. However, several School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations that were postponed due to the unrest must be rescheduled; Education Minister Mahen Gungapersad is currently in discussions with Cambridge regarding these exams.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has attributed the unrest to several complex factors, including potential links to drug trafficking networks, the high cost of living, and water access issues. The climate of tension was further exacerbated by a serious incident involving a police officer being shot. The Prime Minister is expected to address the nation to provide updates on the situation as the country attempts to stabilize.