UK Transfers Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius in Agreement to Secure US Military Base – WFTV

The Historic Agreement on the Chagos Islands: A New Chapter in Sovereignty and Security

Introduction

In a significant diplomatic development, the British government has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the long-disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision, announced on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in the history of the archipelago, which has been a point of contention since its separation from Mauritius in 1965. The agreement not only addresses historical grievances but also secures the future of the strategically vital military base at Diego Garcia, a key asset for both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Background of the Chagos Islands

The Chagos Islands, an archipelago of over 60 islands located in the Indian Ocean, have long been associated with images of tropical paradise—lush vegetation and pristine beaches. However, their history is marred by colonialism and displacement. In 1965, the British government removed the islands from Mauritius, which had gained independence just three years earlier, designating them as the British Indian Ocean Territory. This move was primarily motivated by the establishment of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain.

The Military Significance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia has served as a critical military installation since the 1970s, housing approximately 2,500 personnel, predominantly American. The base has played a crucial role in various military operations, including the Iraq War and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the new agreement would secure the future operations of this base, which has been threatened by ongoing legal challenges regarding the sovereignty of the islands.

The Terms of the Agreement

Under the new agreement, the United Kingdom will retain sovereignty over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years while transferring overall sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The specifics of the deal include an undisclosed rent payment from the UK to Mauritius and the establishment of a resettlement fund aimed at allowing displaced Chagossians to return to the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.

Lammy articulated the broader implications of the agreement, stating that it would enhance global security, mitigate illegal migration routes through the Indian Ocean, and strengthen ties with Mauritius, a key Commonwealth partner.

Historical Injustices and Resettlement Efforts

The displacement of around 1,500 Chagossians to facilitate the U.S. military base has been described by Human Rights Watch as "crimes against humanity." The agreement aims to address these historical injustices, with the Mauritian government expressing its commitment to resolving outstanding issues related to the islands and their former inhabitants. The hope is that those displaced, along with their descendants, will have the opportunity to return to their ancestral lands.

International Support and Legal Challenges

The Chagossians and the Mauritian government have garnered increasing international support over the years, particularly from African nations and the United Nations. In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating that the UK had unlawfully separated the islands from Mauritius. This ruling has bolstered the case for Mauritian sovereignty and has played a role in the recent negotiations.

Reactions to the Agreement

The announcement of the agreement has elicited mixed reactions. Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed the decision as a completion of decolonization, stating, "56 years after our independence, the decolonization is finally complete." Conversely, some Conservative lawmakers in the UK expressed dismay at the decision to relinquish sovereignty over the islands, despite the fact that negotiations began under their previous government.

The White House also welcomed the agreement, with President Joe Biden praising it as a historic step that secures the effective operation of the joint facility on Diego Garcia for the future.

Conclusion

The agreement on the Chagos Islands represents a significant turning point in the complex interplay of colonial history, international relations, and military strategy. As the UK and Mauritius move forward with the treaty, the focus will be on addressing the historical wrongs faced by the Chagossians and ensuring the continued strategic importance of Diego Garcia. This development not only reshapes the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean but also offers a glimmer of hope for those displaced from their homeland, marking a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of sovereignty and justice.