The United Kingdom has agreed to hand back the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than 50 years of dispute. In exchange for full sovereignty of the remote archipelago, Mauritius has guaranteed that a United States military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group, will continue operating for the next 99 years. The return of the islands has sparked mixed emotions among Chagossians, who were exiled in the 1960s and 1970s and have long fought to return without conditions. While some see it as a step towards asserting their rights, others criticize the lack of inclusion in the negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.
With the transfer of sovereignty, Mauritius will now have control over the Chagos Islands, excluding Diego Garcia. The UK leased Diego Garcia to the US in 1966 in exchange for military aid, and the base has been operational since then. The UK has also pledged financial support to Mauritius and set up a trust fund for the descendants of exiled Chagossians. The two countries will collaborate on various projects, including environmental protection and maritime security. US President Joe Biden has commended the agreement as a demonstration of successful diplomacy and partnership.
The dispute over the Chagos Islands stems from conflicting claims about the Indigenous status of the Chagossians. The UK detached the islands from Mauritius in 1965, leading to the exile of Chagossians to various countries. The US Navy established a military base on Diego Garcia in 1971, which has been in operation ever since. Chagossians have launched legal challenges over the years to return to their homeland, but faced resistance from the UK government citing defence interests and feasibility concerns.
Mauritius challenged the UK’s control over the Chagos Islands in the International Court of Justice, leading to an advisory opinion in its favor in 2019. Despite international pressure, the UK did not comply with a UN resolution to relinquish control of the islands. Talks between the UK and Mauritius began in 2022, resulting in the recent agreement to transfer sovereignty. Some British conservatives have opposed the handover, citing concerns about security threats and relations with the US.
Chagossians have expressed mixed reactions to the new deal, with some feeling betrayed by the lack of inclusion in the negotiations. Campaigns for self-determination and a referendum have been ongoing, with calls for full recognition and participation of Chagossians in decision-making processes. While some see the agreement as a step towards rectifying past mistakes, others highlight ongoing challenges faced by Chagossian communities, including racism and lack of access to well-paid jobs in the UK.
Moving forward, there are calls for meaningful action to support Chagossian communities abroad, including addressing issues of acceptance, racism, and economic opportunities. While the agreement marks a significant development in the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands, there is still work to be done to ensure the rights and well-being of Chagossians are upheld and respected.
