The United Kingdom announced it would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, allowing the displaced Chagossian population to return home after decades in exile. Despite relinquishing control, the UK will retain access to the military base on Diego Garcia, which is jointly operated with the United States. This base is of strategic importance to both nations, ensuring its continued operation under the new agreement.
The deal addresses legal challenges and threats to the long-term future of the Diego Garcia base, which plays a key role in global security. British Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized that the agreement strengthens the UK’s military presence and prevents the region from being used for illegal migration routes to the UK. Additionally, it fosters a lasting partnership with Mauritius while securing the base’s future.
Chagos Islands to Be Returned to Mauritius; UK Maintains Access to Diego Garcia Base
The Chagos Islands, originally part of Mauritius, were separated by Britain in 1965 before Mauritius gained independence. In the early 1970s, around 2,000 Chagossian residents were forcibly displaced to Mauritius and the Seychelles to clear the way for the construction of the military base. The controversial eviction has been the subject of ongoing international disputes.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that Britain had wrongfully retained control over the Chagos Islands and should return them to Mauritius. This ruling acknowledged the wrongful displacement of the Chagossian population, adding pressure on Britain to address the situation and leading to the recent agreement.
The new political agreement between Britain and Mauritius has the backing of both the United States and India, reflecting broader international cooperation. While Mauritius will resettle the islands and offer a resolution for the Chagossians, the continued operation of Diego Garcia will ensure that strategic military interests in the region are preserved.
