Jamie Spencer
In a major development in the long-standing territorial dispute over the Chagos Islands, the United Kingdom has agreed to return the majority of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius. The agreement, announced on Thursday, marks a historic shift in the decades-long conflict. However, the UK will retain control over Diego Garcia, the largest island, to ensure the continued operation of a strategically important UK-U.S. military base.
This move is seen as a significant step toward resolving contested sovereignty while maintaining global security through the ongoing use of the military base, which plays a key role in operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.
Decades of Dispute: The History of the Chagos Islands Conflict
The roots of the dispute over the Chagos Islands date back to 1965 when the British government separated the islands from Mauritius, just before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Since then, Mauritius has consistently called for the return of the islands, which consist of over 60 individual landmasses. Diego Garcia, the largest and most strategically significant of these islands, became home to a U.S. naval base in the 1970s as part of a lease agreement with the UK.
This base has been described as “an indispensable platform” by U.S. defense officials, hosting about 2,500 personnel, mainly Americans. It has served as a critical hub for U.S. and UK military operations, and its importance continues today as a strategic asset in global defense efforts.
The new agreement allows for the return of all islands except Diego Garcia, which will remain under British control for at least 99 years. The arrangement is designed to avoid legal disputes that could disrupt the military base’s operations.
Strategic Importance and Global Security
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the importance of the deal for maintaining both regional and global security. “This agreement strengthens our role in safeguarding global security and guarantees our long-term partnership with Mauritius, a valued Commonwealth partner,” Lammy said. He also pointed out that the agreement would prevent any misuse of the Indian Ocean as a potential migration route to the UK.
The United States also lauded the agreement, with President Joe Biden calling it a “historic milestone” that ensures the continued operation of the Diego Garcia base, which is vital for defense operations in key regions. The base’s role in global security cannot be overstated, and its uninterrupted function remains a top priority for both nations.
The Chagossian Displacement and Calls for Justice
While the agreement resolves one aspect of the dispute, it has reignited concerns among the displaced Chagossian community. In the 1970s, approximately 1,500 Chagossians were forcibly removed from their homeland to make way for the construction of the Diego Garcia base. Their descendants have long advocated for the right to return and for their voices to be included in any discussions regarding the future of the islands.
Chagossian Voices, a group representing the diaspora, criticized their exclusion from the negotiations. “We learned about this deal through the media and remain without a voice in determining the fate of our homeland,” the group said in a statement. They have called for full participation in future treaty discussions, demanding more than just financial compensation or resettlement options.
As part of the new agreement, the UK has pledged to create a resettlement fund aimed at helping displaced Chagossians return to other islands in the archipelago, though not Diego Garcia. While this initiative has been welcomed by some, the community continues to push for a more substantial role in the decision-making process concerning the islands’ future.
Looking Ahead: Legal and Political Finalization
Though an agreement has been reached, it must still undergo formal legal and treaty processes before taking full effect. The UK will pay Mauritius rent for Diego Garcia, though details regarding the financial terms have not been disclosed. The deal secures the base’s operation for an initial 99-year period, with provisions for potential renewal.
For Mauritius, the return of the Chagos Islands marks a significant victory in its decades-long pursuit of sovereignty over the territory. However, the road ahead may remain contentious as the Chagossian community continues to demand greater involvement in shaping the future of the islands.
A Diplomatic Milestone with Ongoing Challenges
The decision to return most of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius represents a significant moment in international diplomacy, bringing an end to one of the world’s most enduring territorial disputes. However, with the UK retaining control of Diego Garcia, the strategic military partnership between the UK and the U.S. remains intact.
As the legal processes unfold, the focus will likely remain on how the agreement addresses both security concerns and the rights of displaced Chagossians. Their continued advocacy for inclusion in the conversation surrounding their homeland will be central to the broader narrative of justice and reconciliation in the coming years.
