The United Kingdom has officially announced the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a landmark decision that facilitates the return of individuals displaced decades ago while maintaining the operational status of the critical military base on Diego Garcia.
This agreement ensures the strategic airbase, which is co-managed with the United States, will continue to function effectively, allowing Mauritius to resettle its islands after the local population was forcibly removed in the 1970s.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his support for the deal, emphasizing that it would secure the effective operation of Diego Garcia into the next century. He recognized the airbase’s vital role in both national and global security efforts.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy remarked on the importance of this agreement, stating that the ongoing sovereignty disputes had posed risks to the future of Diego Garcia. He noted, “Today’s agreement secures this vital military base for the future and strengthens our role in safeguarding global security.”
The UK has administered the Chagos Islands since 1814, separating them from Mauritius in 1965 to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. In the early 1970s, nearly 2,000 residents were forcibly relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles to accommodate the airbase on Diego Garcia, which was leased to the United States in 1966.
In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution urging Britain to relinquish control of the islands and acknowledging the wrongful displacement of the local population. Despite extending the lease on Diego Garcia until 2036 and prohibiting the return of expelled islanders, this recent agreement marks a significant policy shift under new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has expressed a commitment to upholding international law.
Starmer reaffirmed his dedication to national and global security in discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. However, the agreement has drawn criticism from certain members of the opposition Conservative Party, with former Foreign Minister James Cleverly labeling it as “weak.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will retain sovereign rights over Diego Garcia for an initial 99 years, ensuring the base’s ongoing operation, which has played a crucial role during military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This pivotal agreement not only seeks to address the historical injustices faced by the Chagossian population but also sets the stage for a new chapter in UK-Mauritius relations, emphasizing a commitment to international norms and a collaborative approach to regional security. As both nations move forward, the focus will be on reconciliation and the sustainable development of the Chagos Islands, fostering a future where the rights and aspirations of the displaced communities are recognized and upheld.