The United Kingdom has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of a prolonged colonial-era dispute. This decision follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice that deemed Britain's control over the islands unlawful. The islands have been a point of contention due to the forcible expulsion of Chagossians in the 1960s and 70s to establish a military base.
Diego Garcia, the site of the US-UK military base, will remain under the control of both nations, a stipulation welcomed by the United States for its strategic importance in global security operations. The base has played a crucial role during conflicts such as the Cold War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The agreement has been met with a mixed response. While Mauritius' Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin have expressed approval, calling it a historic moment, Conservative critics in the UK have labeled it as a sell-out of British interests. They raise concerns about Mauritius' close ties with China, which could impact future geopolitical dynamics.
Mauritius has long claimed the islands, and the recent agreement allows the return of displaced Chagossians and their descendants. The deal is seen as a diplomatic victory for Mauritius, supported by the UN and other international bodies. US President Joe Biden has hailed the agreement as an exemplar of overcoming historical disputes through diplomacy.
The resolution not only addresses past injustices but also establishes a framework for cooperation on issues like environmental protection and security, fostering a new chapter in UK-Mauritius relations.
