Britain announced on Thursday its decision to relinquish sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a significant agreement. This deal will enable the displaced inhabitants of the islands to return home after being uprooted decades ago. However, London will retain control of the UK-US military base located on Diego Garcia, a crucial strategic asset.
The British government emphasized that the agreement safeguards the operation of Diego Garcia, a key military installation jointly managed with the United States. The deal also permits Mauritius to resettle the remaining islands' population, which was displaced in the past.
British Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of securing the future of the Diego Garcia military base, which was facing challenges related to contested sovereignty and legal disputes. The agreement not only ensures the base's long-term operation but also reinforces the UK's commitment to global security.
Britain's historical involvement in the region dates back to 1814 when it took control of the Chagos Islands. In 1965, the islands were detached from Mauritius, which was a former colony that gained independence three years later, to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory.
During the early 1970s, nearly 2,000 residents were forcibly removed to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make room for the construction of an airbase on Diego Garcia. The United States leased this strategic location from Britain in 1966.
In 2019, the World Court ruled that Britain should cede control of the islands and acknowledged that the forced displacement of the population in the 1970s to accommodate the US airbase was unjust.
In a joint statement, Britain and Mauritius confirmed that the political agreement received support and assistance from the United States and India, underscoring the collaborative nature of this diplomatic development.
