In an unfolding geopolitical development, the United Kingdom and Mauritius are nearing the completion of an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a UK territory that houses a significant U.S. military installation. The British government announced the impending deal on Tuesday, underscoring that the United States had been consulted and its approval secured, particularly from the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Tom Wells, spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated that discussions with the Mauritian government are ongoing to finalize and sign the treaty. Once the agreement is signed, it will be presented to both houses of the UK Parliament for scrutiny and eventual ratification. This negotiation seeks to enable the UK to pass over control of the Indian Ocean archipelago, while maintaining a lease for a crucial naval and bomber base on Diego Garcia for a minimum of 99 years.
Despite the progression of this deal, there has been notable criticism from the opposition Conservative Party and certain allies associated with Trump. Concerns about threats to U.S. national security were notably vocalized by now Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year. Nonetheless, Trump, during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington in February, expressed confidence and support for the agreement, suggesting it would conclude favorably.
Historically, Britain separated these islands from Mauritius—a former colony—in 1965, labeling the area as the British Indian Ocean Territory, three years prior to Mauritius attaining independence. During the 1960s and 70s, up to 2,000 residents were removed from the islands to facilitate U.S. military construction on Diego Garcia.
For years, Mauritius has persistently challenged Britain’s sovereignty claims over the archipelago. Aligning with Mauritius’s position, the United Nations and its highest court have recently advocated for the UK to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritian control. Although an initial agreement was reached in October, the finalization has seen delays due to the change in Maurice’s government and disagreements over the cost of leasing the Diego Garcia base back to the UK.
Among the voices of dissent, the Chagos islanders, many of whom were relocated to the UK, claim their exclusion from these discussions. Provision under the draft deal includes establishing a resettlement fund to assist displaced islanders wishing to return, excluding Diego Garcia, though details are still ambiguous.
Furthermore, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, British citizens and originally from Chagos, are contemplating legal action against the UK government. Both fear that with the transfer of control to Mauritius, their desire to resettle in their birthplace will face even greater challenges.