The British government has reaffirmed its intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite the new Mauritian leader expressing reservations about the deal. The agreement, announced in October, involves handing over the Indian Ocean archipelago, including the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. However, the U.K.-U.S. naval and bomber base on Diego Garcia will remain under British control for at least 99 years.
Following a change in government in Mauritius, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has indicated a desire to renegotiate the terms of the agreement, citing concerns about the expected benefits for the nation. The British Foreign Office Minister remains optimistic that a revised deal will be reached, emphasizing that the proposed agreement is mutually beneficial and has received support from the United States and India.
The transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the British government of relinquishing control over a British territory. The Diego Garcia base, which has played a crucial role in U.S. military operations, has been a point of contention, with differing views on the long-term implications of the agreement.
The Chagos Islands, under British control since 1814, were the subject of forced evictions in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the construction of the Diego Garcia base. The base has been utilized for various military operations, including clandestine rendition flights. Despite legal battles by the displaced Chagossians to return to their homeland, the deal allows for potential repatriation to the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
Mauritius, located southwest of the Chagos Islands, is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the United Kingdom to finalize the transfer of sovereignty. The outcome of these discussions will have implications for the future status of the Chagos Islands and the Diego Garcia military base.
