In a landmark development, the UK government has agreed to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a decades-long dispute over the archipelago. The agreement, however, comes with a caveat: the UK will retain control of Diego Garcia, a strategically vital military base within the Chagos Islands, for an initial period of 99 years. Mauritius will receive an undisclosed amount in rent for the continued use of the base.
The Chagos Islands, an archipelago of over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, have been a source of contention between the UK and Mauritius since the latter gained independence in 1968. Mauritius claims the entire archipelago as part of its territory, while the UK maintained control over the islands, arguing that they were a separate entity.
This historic deal marks the completion of Mauritius’ decolonization, a long-held objective of the island nation. India, a close ally of Mauritius, has consistently supported its claim for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, hailing the agreement as a victory for international law and decolonization.
The agreement ensures the future of Diego Garcia, a crucial military base for the US and UK, which has played a key role in military operations in the Middle East and Asia. The base serves as a launch pad for long-range bombers and is considered strategically important in the Indian Ocean region.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, highlighting the strategic significance of Diego Garcia and its importance to global security. British Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized that the agreement guarantees the continued operation of the base for at least 99 years, strengthening the UK’s role in global security.
The agreement settles the contested sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, the last British overseas territory in Africa. The deal comes after years of legal challenges and negotiations, ensuring the long-term future of the Diego Garcia base, a key asset in the UK-US defense partnership.
