Chagos Islands: UK & Mauritius Dispute Explained
- After decades of dispute, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached an agreement where the UK will relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.The deal, finalized in october 2024...
- The agreement aims to resolve the long-standing issue of decolonization and address security concerns in the indian Ocean.
- Under the terms, the UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for the Diego garcia lease.
The UK is set to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of dispute, but a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia military base remains. this landmark deal, following negotiations, includes financial compensation and environmental protections, addressing decolonization and Indian Ocean security concerns. The agreement involves significant payments from the UK to Mauritius, backed by allies, and a crucial role for the U.S. in covering operational costs. Furthermore, a trust fund will support Chagossians, though resettlement remains a complex issue. News Directory 3 provides insights into the agreement’s impact on regional dynamics and the ongoing disputes.Discover what’s next for the Chagossians and the future of the islands.
UK hands Over Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius in Landmark Deal
After decades of dispute, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached an agreement where the UK will relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.The deal, finalized in october 2024 after 11 rounds of negotiations, includes a 99-year lease for the UK to continue using Diego Garcia as a military base.
The agreement aims to resolve the long-standing issue of decolonization and address security concerns in the indian Ocean. The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been disputed since the UK detached the archipelago from Mauritius in 1968, prior to Mauritius gaining independence.
Under the terms, the UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for the Diego garcia lease. The payments are structured wiht £165 million annually for the first three years, followed by £120 million annually for the subsequent ten years, after which payments will be indexed to inflation, the BBC reported.
The agreement has the backing of the UK’s ‘Five Eyes’ allies – the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The U.S. will cover the operational costs of the Diego garcia base.A 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia will restrict construction without UK consent, and the UK retains veto power over access to the islands by foreign militaries or civilian forces.
A £40 million trust fund will be established by the UK to support Chagossians. Though, Mauritius is restricted from resettling Diego Garcia despite gaining sovereign control. The agreement also aims to prevent illegal migration routes to the UK through the Indian Ocean,with Mauritius assuming responsibility for future arrivals.
The accord requires approval from both the UK and Mauritian parliaments before taking effect. A legal challenge by two Chagossians, who sought to return to the islands rather than Mauritius or Seychelles, was dismissed by the UK High Court after an initial injunction.
The Conservative party has voiced opposition, citing concerns over ceding sovereignty of a military base to Mauritius, which they consider a close ally of China. They also critique the deal’s estimated £3.4 billion cost to the British exchequer after inflation adjustments.
India played a supportive role in backing Mauritius’ claim to complete decolonization. India encouraged both the UK and Mauritius to negotiate openly for mutually beneficial outcomes, aiming for long-term security in the Indian Ocean region. Both India and the U.S. were acknowledged by the parties for their support in reaching the agreement.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement welcoming the deal,affirming its support of Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago,consistent with its position on decolonization,respect for sovereignty,and territorial integrity. India remains committed to strengthening maritime security, peace, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.
The Chagossians, who were exiled between 1968 and 1973 to make way for the military base, were offered resettlement in Mauritius or Seychelles. Many now reside in Crawley, Sussex, and manchester, continuing to fight for their right to return to their native land.
Mauritius has claimed sovereignty over the Chagos Islands since its independence, asserting that the UK violated UN resolutions against dismembering colonies before independence.The Marine Protected Area declared by the UK in 2010 was challenged by Mauritius, with the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that it was incompatible with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) found in 2019 that the decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed due to the separation of the Chagos Islands, obligating the UK to end its administration of the archipelago.