In a significant move on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Britain inked an agreement transferring sovereignty of the contested Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision, aimed at securing the future of the pivotal U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, marks a crucial strategic shift. The archipelago, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, houses a key naval and bomber base vital to British security interests. Under the terms of the agreement, the U.K. will pay Mauritius £101 million annually to lease back the base for a minimum of 99 years.
The importance of the Diego Garcia base cannot be overstated, as emphasized by British officials citing its critical role in counterterrorism and intelligence operations essential for national security. The signing ceremony, initially delayed due to a legal injunction, proceeded following judicial clearance. The injunction stemmed from concerns raised by two Chagossian women, representing the island’s displaced original inhabitants, who fear further obstacles to their return post-handover.
The Chagos Islands, remnants of the British Empire under British rule since 1814, were detached from Mauritius in 1965, preceding Mauritius’ independence by three years. The controversial eviction of up to 2,000 islanders in the 1960s and 1970s to facilitate the construction of the Diego Garcia base has long been a point of contention. Efforts by displaced Chagossians to reclaim their homeland through legal battles have faced obstacles over the years.
The agreement includes provisions for a resettlement fund to assist displaced islanders in returning, excluding Diego Garcia. However, the specifics of such measures remain unclear. The historical dispute over the Chagos Islands intensified in recent years, with the United Nations and the International Court of Justice advocating for the return of the archipelago to Mauritius.
Negotiations on the handover commenced in 2022 and progressed following a change in government in Mauritius. The draft agreement, delayed due to financial disagreements and consultations with the U.S., received approval from the Trump administration. Despite this, the deal has faced criticism from the U.K.’s opposition Conservatives, denouncing the surrender of British territory to Mauritius.
The complex dynamics surrounding the Chagos Islands underscore broader geopolitical considerations and historical injustices. The implications of this sovereignty transfer extend beyond territorial boundaries, touching on questions of colonial legacies, indigenous rights, and global power dynamics. As the handover unfolds, it prompts reflection on the enduring impact of imperial histories and the complexities of contemporary international relations.
Leave feedback about this