The UK has announced it is giving up sovereignty of a remote but strategically important cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean after more than half a century. The deal – reached after years of negotiations - will see the UK hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a historic move. This includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft.
The announcement, made in a joint statement by the UK and Mauritian Prime Ministers, ends decades of often fractious negotiations between the two countries. The US-UK base will remain on Diego Garcia – a key factor enabling the deal to go forward at a time of growing geopolitical rivalries in the region between Western countries, India, and China.
The deal is still subject to finalisation of a treaty, but both sides have promised to complete it as quickly as possible. "This is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law," the statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth read. The leaders also said they were committed "to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security".
The treaty will also "address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians". The UK will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including annual payments and infrastructure investment. Mauritius will also be able to begin a programme of resettlement on the Chagos Islands, but not on Diego Garcia. There, the UK will ensure operation of the military base for "an initial period" of 99 years.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the "historic agreement", saying it was a "clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes". He said it secured the future of a key military base which "plays a vital role in national, regional, and global security."
The Controversy Surrounding the Chagos Islands
The UK government has long faced criticism over its claim to the Chagos Islands, with many arguing that it was illegally seized from Mauritius. The UK government has insisted that the islands were a separate entity from Mauritius, but this argument has been rejected by several international courts and bodies. The UN General Assembly and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have both ruled that the Chagos Islands were illegally separated from Mauritius and should be returned to the country.
The Chagossians' Perspective
The Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s, have long campaigned for the right to return to their homeland. While some are supportive of the deal, others remain skeptical. The UK government has promised to provide financial support to help the Chagossians resettle on the islands, but some are concerned that this will not be enough to address the historical wrongs that were committed against them.
The Future of the Islands
The UK’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a significant development that has been welcomed by many. However, the deal has also sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that the UK is failing to adequately address the concerns of the Chagossian people. The future of the islands remains uncertain, but the UK’s decision to hand over sovereignty to Mauritius marks a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute.
The End of an Era
This agreement represents a major shift in the UK’s relationship with Mauritius and the Chagos Islands. It is a sign of the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region and the UK’s recognition that it can no longer maintain its colonial presence in the region. The UK government has long maintained that the islands were a vital strategic asset, but it has now conceded that their importance is no longer as great as it once was. The UK’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a landmark development that will have a profound impact on the future of the region. The handover of the Chagos Islands is a reminder of the UK’s long and complex history of colonialism. It also serves as a warning to the UK government that it can no longer rely on its historical power and influence to maintain its position in the world. The UK will need to find new ways to engage with the world and to build relationships that are based on mutual respect and understanding.
