In a landmark decision, the UK has announced its intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of more than 50 years of British control over the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. The agreement, reached after prolonged and often tense negotiations, was revealed in a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
A Historic Deal for Both Nations
The Chagos Islands, home to the vital US military base on Diego Garcia, have long been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius. Under the new agreement, the UK will hand over the islands to Mauritius, but the base on Diego Garcia will continue to operate under a new 99-year arrangement. The US-UK military presence on the atoll is crucial for global security and remains a key factor in the successful conclusion of the deal.
“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,” read the joint statement from both Prime Ministers. The agreement, however, still requires finalisation in the form of a treaty, which both sides have pledged to complete swiftly.
Securing Regional Stability
While the sovereignty of the islands is set to shift, the operation of the Diego Garcia base will remain unchanged, ensuring the continuation of its strategic role in global security. The base has been vital in supporting Western military operations in the region, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions involving China and India.
US President Joe Biden lauded the deal, calling it a “historic agreement” that demonstrates the power of diplomacy to resolve long-standing conflicts. “This deal ensures the future of a key military base that plays a critical role in national, regional, and global security,” Biden said.
Addressing Historical Wrongs
The transfer of the islands comes with a commitment to address the past grievances of the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from their homeland in the late 1960s and early 1970s to make way for the military base. The treaty will include provisions for the welfare of the Chagossian community, many of whom now live in Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK.
For some islanders, the news offers hope of returning to their ancestral lands, while others remain sceptical about their involvement in the negotiations. Isabelle Charlot, a Chagossian living in the UK, told BBC Radio 4 that the agreement could mean “a place that we can call home—where we will be free.” On the other hand, Frankie Bontemps, also a Chagossian in the UK, expressed his disappointment, feeling “betrayed” by the deal, which he said was concluded without sufficient input from the Chagossian community.
Financial Support and Resettlement
As part of the agreement, the UK has pledged a financial support package for Mauritius, including annual payments and investment in infrastructure. Although resettlement efforts will be allowed on the Chagos Islands, Diego Garcia will remain off-limits to civilians due to its military use.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted another benefit of the deal, which he said would help close “a potential illegal migration route.” The islands had recently been used as a detention site for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, sparking complex legal battles over their fate.
The Global Impact of the Chagos Transfer
The UK’s decision to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands comes at a time when its global diplomatic standing has been under pressure. Following the United Nations’ overwhelming call for the UK to surrender the territory, the Mauritian government intensified its campaign, even going as far as landing on the islands to assert its claim.
This agreement also comes as the UK looks to strengthen ties with African nations, which have united in their push for decolonisation. With global challenges such as the Ukraine conflict and the prospect of a second Trump presidency, the UK sought to remove the Chagos dispute as an obstacle to garnering international support.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite the diplomatic success, the deal has attracted criticism. UK Conservative leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat called the agreement “negotiated against Britain’s interest,” accusing the government of retreating from a crucial geopolitical foothold. Human Rights Watch (HRW) also voiced concern, stating that while the deal seeks to address historical wrongs, it could perpetuate colonial practices by failing to fully consult the Chagossian people.
HRW’s senior legal advisor Clive Baldwin said in a statement, “Without meaningful consultations with the Chagossians, the UK, US, and now Mauritius will continue to bear responsibility for an ongoing colonial crime.”
A Final Chapter in Britain’s Colonial History?
The transfer of the Chagos Islands marks one of the final chapters in the UK’s colonial legacy. Once the deal is ratified, the British government will retain control over just a handful of overseas territories, including the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar.
The governor of the Falklands, Alison Blake, reassured islanders of the UK’s continued commitment to their sovereignty following the Chagos announcement, affirming that “the UK’s unwavering commitment to defend UK sovereignty [of the Falklands] remains undiminished.”
Looking Ahead
As the UK prepares to hand over the Chagos Islands, the treaty must still be finalised, and resettlement programmes designed. While the future of the US-UK military base is secure, the fate of the Chagossian people remains a matter of ongoing debate. What is clear, however, is that this agreement marks a turning point in the long and complex history of the Chagos Islands, paving the way for a new chapter in UK-Mauritius relations.
