Mauritius is often seen as a paradise island, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. But beneath this idyllic image lies a history shaped by colonisation, enslavement, and deep-rooted social inequalities. In this episode, we uncover the 1999 Mauritius Riots—an eruption of inter-ethnic violence following the death of beloved Creole seggae singer, Kaya, in police custody.
How did a musician’s death ignite nationwide unrest? What historical forces shaped the tensions between different communities? And how has Mauritius reckoned with these events decades later? Join us as we dive into the untold history behind the riots, the fight for justice, and the legacy of a fractured rainbow nation.
Sources:
Carroll, B. W., & Carroll, T. (2000). Trouble in paradise: Ethnic conflict in Mauritius. Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 38(2), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662040008447817
Shadow of ‘reggae riots’ still hangs over Mauritius
Mauritian Riot after murder of Berger Agathe
Mauritius: Communities of Paradise
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Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
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