Britain has reached a historic agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, effectively concluding decades of political struggle surrounding the archipelago, which is infamous for being home to the U.S. military base at Diego Garcia. This decision was revealed following intense negotiations, aimed at resolving the longstanding dispute over what has been referred to as Britain’s last African colony.
Under the new deal, announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, full control will revert to Mauritius, with specific provisions allowing the UK to maintain its military base on Diego Garcia for at least 99 more years. This agreement follows multiple rulings from international bodies, including the International Court of Justice, which deemed the forced separation of the islands from Mauritius unlawful.
Historically, the situation traces back to the 1960s and 1970s when Britain expelled nearly 2,000 Chagossians to facilitate the establishment of the military installation. The archipelago was detached from Mauritius just before the latter's independence was granted in 1968, under what was perceived as coercion by British officials to secure U.S. support and investment.
The pivotal change came after years of legal battles led by successive Mauritian governments, alongside resolutions from the United Nations, which urged the UK to relinquish its claim. Notably, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2019 stating the UK’s actions violated international law.
Despite these rulings, until now, the UK had hesitated to fully recognize Mauritius’ sovereignty claims, often labeling the Chagossians merely as 'transient workers' even as genetic and historical ties to the islands held great significance for them. After numerous rounds of negotiations, spanning from 2022 to this year, the UK now appears to be reconciling with its past actions.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy commented on the deal, emphasizing its importance for maintaining the military base's operational capabilities, asserting, "Today’s agreement secures this necessary military base for the future, thereby strengthening our relationship with Mauritius." He framed the agreement as pivotal not only for bilateral relations but also for global security interests, particularly concerning the Indian Ocean region.
Simultaneously, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed approval of the accord, recognizing it as instrumental for national and regional security. The base at Diego Garcia is of strategic importance to U.S. operations across various continents, having played significant roles during military operations post-9/11 and even earlier during the Cold War.
While this agreement symbolizes progress, it has also stirred feelings of skepticism among the Chagossian community. Many now residing across Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK harbor concerns about their future and the potential dilution of their identity should the islands fully integrate back with Mauritius. Although the resettlement program is expected to allow return opportunities for displaced islanders, only about 50 individuals are anticipated to make the move.
Chagossians have also voiced frustration at being excluded from negotiations about their homeland, with advocacy groups calling for genuine inclusion and recognition of their rights as indigenous inhabitants of the Chagos Islands. Events from 2022, such as the raising of the Mauritian flag over Peros Banhos by Mauritian ambassador Jagdish Koonjul, showcased rising nationalism and growing awareness of the injustices faced by the Chagossian peoples.
The final agreement includes provisions for Mauritius to develop infrastructure and strengthen its economic footing through financial assistance from the UK, which will also work collaboratively with the island nation on issues such as environmental protection and security challenges.
This agreement events come against the backdrop of shifting political currents within the UK. Starmer’s Labour Party government, which took the reins of power earlier this year, seems intent on re-orienting Britain’s foreign policy to be more aligned with international norms, contrasting sharply with the previous administration's often contentious approach to colonial legacies and international law.
Critics of the prior Conservative government have argued it weakened Britain's standing on the global stage by ignoring legal mandates from the ICJ and the UN. These accusations echoed during negotiations, with Labour representatives alleging the previous government left the issue unresolved, posing risks to British security interests.
Overall, this agreement is seen as a landmark achievement for Mauritius, positioning the nation to reclaim not only legal rights to its territory but also to take actionable steps toward addressing historical grievances. It also seeks to redefine Mauritius's relationship with Britain and potentially realign security dynamics within the Indian Ocean as global geopolitical strategies evolve.
While some islanders will watch changes from afar, the deal promises to usher another chapter for the Chagos Islands, wherein the focus might finally turn from past grievances to future prosperity, grounded on cooperation and acknowledgment of rights.
