UK to hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades-long dispute

The UK is set to transfer control of the distant Chagos Islands to Mauritius, resolving a long-standing conflict that has lasted for many years.

The agreement to hand over the Indian Ocean island group to Mauritius includes Diego Garcia, a tropical atoll that hosts a military base utilized by both the UK and the US. This base is vital for maintaining stability and ensuring international security in the area.

According to the agreement, the base will continue to be governed by UK and US laws for a minimum period of 99 years.

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The UK government stated that the agreement would "rectify past injustices and show both sides' dedication to enhancing the well-being" of the Chagossians, the original inhabitants of the islands.

US President Joe Biden expressed his approval of the decision, stating that it was advantageous for both parties involved.

Many prominent Conservative figures have described the decision as "feeble." Former securities minister Tom Tugendhat criticized it as a "disgraceful withdrawal that jeopardizes our security and puts our allies at risk."

There are worries that a future government in Mauritius might not stick to the agreement and could permit China, which has made significant investments in the country, to take control of the base.

Since 1971, people have been prohibited from entering the islands, except for Diego Garcia, which is accessible only to US military personnel. This situation arose after the UK removed the Chagossian population at the behest of the US. Some of those displaced relocated to Mauritius, while others have been residing in Crawley, West Sussex, in the UK since 2002.

The expulsions are considered one of the most disgraceful aspects of Britain's recent colonial past, and the Chagossian people have been battling for years to go back home.

In 2021, around 89 Tamil asylum seekers from Sri Lanka reached Diego Garcia, but the UK government contends that the refugee convention isn’t valid in that location. As a result, they are left in a state of uncertainty.

A joint announcement from the governments of Mauritius and the UK indicated that Mauritius can now go ahead with a plan to resettle people on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia. Additionally, the UK will offer financial assistance and other resources to the Chagossians who were displaced.

The UK is set to offer Mauritius a financial support package that includes yearly payments for the next 99 years, along with funding for an infrastructure collaboration.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, "This government took over a situation where the stability and security of the Diego Garcia military base were at risk, facing disputes over ownership and ongoing legal issues."

"Today's agreement ensures the long-term safety of this important military base."

"This will enhance our ability to protect global security, eliminate the risk of the Indian Ocean being exploited for unsafe illegal migration to the UK, and ensure our lasting partnership with Mauritius, a valued ally within the Commonwealth."

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The US president praised the decision, stating, "I commend this landmark agreement."

This clearly shows that by working together and using diplomacy, nations can tackle longstanding issues from the past and achieve peaceful, beneficial results for everyone involved.

The deal depends on the completion of a treaty and related legal documents, with both Mauritius and the UK pledging to wrap this up "as soon as they can."

Former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly criticized the government, labeling them as "feeble, feeble, feeble."

He claimed, "The Labour Party deceived people to gain power. They promised to be completely transparent, vowed not to increase taxes, said they would resist the EU, and asserted their patriotism. All of it was false!"

Mr. Tugendhat criticized the Foreign Office for working against Britain's interests, expressing that it was shameful for these negotiations to have begun while they were in charge. This comment was pointed at Mr. Cleverly, who was serving as foreign secretary at the time the talks initiated in 2022.

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, stated that abandoning the Chagos Islands would be a major strategic mistake and asserted that this decision would anger the United States while pleasing China.

"He stated that the Labour party is creating a more perilous environment in the world."