In a historic move, the United Kingdom has agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of its last colonial holding in Africa. This agreement guarantees the continuation of the UK-US military presence at Diego Garcia, a strategically vital airbase in the Indian Ocean, for at least the next 99 years.
The agreement, finalised on Thursday, paves the way for potential resettlement of displaced Chagossians, with the exception of Diego Garcia, where the military base will remain under British-American control. Mauritius will determine the terms of resettlement for the rest of the archipelago.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth expressed national pride in his televised speech: “We were guided by our conviction to complete the decolonization of our republic.”
However, the move has sparked criticism within the UK. Some opponents have labelled it as a strategic mistake, suggesting it opens the door for increased Chinese influence, given Mauritius’ close trade ties with Beijing. Meanwhile, some representatives of displaced Chagossians voiced frustration at being excluded from negotiations.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy confirmed the deal resolves the long-standing sovereignty dispute. Ongoing legal challenges threatened the stability of Diego Garcia, one of the world’s most strategically significant military bases. “Today’s agreement… will strengthen our role in safeguarding global security,” Lammy said, underscoring its importance for international defence operations.
Diego Garcia, particularly pivotal during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, will continue to serve as a launch point for long-range bombers and support US military activity in the region.
US President Joe Biden also welcomed the deal, noting that Diego Garcia’s strategic importance extends well beyond bilateral interests. “It enables the United States to support operations that demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability, provide rapid response to crises, and counter some of the most challenging security threats we face,” Biden said in a statement, emphasising its role in national, regional, and global security.
While the agreement opens doors for the displaced Chagossian community to return to some of the islands, the exact nature and timing of the resettlement remain under Mauritius’ jurisdiction. However, representatives of the Chagossians have expressed disappointment at being left out of the decision-making process.
Also, while many see this agreement as a step toward resolving colonial legacies, critics warn that it may have broader geopolitical implications. Given China’s growing economic influence in Mauritius, some fear that this decision could indirectly increase Beijing’s presence in the Indian Ocean, an area of heightened interest due to its shipping routes and strategic importance.
Nevertheless, for now, the UK has retained a critical military asset while officially ceding sovereignty over its last African colony, closing a chapter in Britain’s colonial history.
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