The newly elected Mauritian government, led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, has ordered an independent review of the Chagos Islands sovereignty agreement with the UK. The review adds uncertainty to the deal brokered by UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Ramgoolam, in a statement to parliament, revealed that his administration was unaware of the deal’s details during its two-year negotiation period. The government will consider the review’s findings before deciding next steps, while external legal advisers have been consulted.
Downing Street has dismissed suggestions of renegotiating the agreement, which was announced last month and involves transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the Diego Garcia airbase, to Mauritius. Despite assurances of continued military use of the base for 99 years, the UK government has not disclosed full details or costs of the deal.
Complicating matters, Donald Trump’s incoming US administration has expressed opposition to the agreement, citing potential security risks. While the outgoing Biden administration supported the deal, Trump’s team is reportedly seeking ways to block it without embarrassing Starmer.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has defended the agreement, claiming it balances international obligations and security priorities. However, the Mauritian government’s review could delay or derail progress.