The transfer of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory of Chagos to Mauritius marks a significant milestone after six decades of dispute and two years of negotiations. The recent joint statement by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlines the details of this groundbreaking understanding. This development paves the way for a final treaty that will reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Key points regarding the handover of Chagos to Mauritius include:
- The UK and the United States will retain the use of the military base in Diego Garcia Island, ensuring global security and preventing illegal migration routes to the UK.
- The UK will maintain sovereignty over Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period and will pay Mauritius rent.
- A “resettlement” fund will be established for displaced Chagossians who were deported to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make way for the military base.
The Chagos Islands, comprising 50 islands and nearly 1,000 islets, with Diego Garcia being the largest, have been at the center of a sovereignty dispute since becoming a British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965. Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, which were legally separated from the country three years before its independence.
The agreement between the UK and Mauritius sets the stage for a secure and long-term operation of the military base in Diego Garcia. This deal, endorsed by US President Joseph Biden, underscores the crucial role of the base in national, regional, and global security efforts.
In conclusion, the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands signals a new era of collaboration and strengthened relationships between the UK, the US, and Mauritius. This historic agreement not only secures the future of the military base but also reflects a commitment to global security and stability.
