The United Kingdom has formally announced its decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius. This marks the end of over half a century of British control. The joint announcement was made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, describing the deal as a “historic political agreement” concerning the Chagos Archipelago. The transfer agreement ensures the preservation of operations at the Diego Garcia military base, which remains under British sovereignty for an initial period of 99 years, amidst its significant role in regional and global security affairs (UK Government Statement).
The accord includes a financial package from the UK aimed at enhancing economic development in Mauritius and funding several strategic projects. Both nations commit to cooperation on environmental protection, maritime security, combating illegal fishing, and addressing irregular migration and trafficking issues in the Chagos region, with a shared aim of protecting one of the world’s significant marine environments.
Historically, the Chagos Archipelago was populated by a small indigenous community until the late 1960s when the UK forcibly removed over 1,000 residents to establish a military base on Diego Garcia, leased to the US. This action has been an enduring point of contention, with the descendants of the displaced Chagossians advocating for the right to return. The new agreement opens the pathway for Mauritius to implement a resettlement initiative on some islands within the archipelago, though Diego Garcia remains excluded. The UK has also pledged to establish a trust for the Chagossians, acknowledging “the wrongs of the past” (Jurist News).
This decision follows years of increasing international pressure and diplomatic isolation faced by the UK regarding its Chagos claim. Notably, in 2019 the UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution, following an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, declaring the UK’s ongoing occupation illegal and urged the return of the islands to Mauritius. Chagossians have expressed disquiet with their exclusion from initial negotiations about their homeland, yet the current agreement aims to involve them and demonstrate the commitment to their welfare, addressing past injustices (UN Resolution).