Mauritius Celebrates UK’s Agreement to Transfer Sovereignty of Chagos Islands
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the UK announced it would hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius. The agreement, reached after two years of discussions, allows the UK to maintain its military base on Diego Garcia while recognizing Mauritius’s claims to the archipelago.
On Friday, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius expressed gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the United Kingdom’s decision to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This announcement came a day after the UK government confirmed the agreement, marking a significant step in the decolonization process for the island nation. Prime Minister Jugnauth conveyed his appreciation through a post on social media, acknowledging the support from the African Union and other allies in this endeavor.
The UK has now formalized plans to transfer governance of the remote Chagos Islands, which are strategically located in the Indian Ocean. However, it maintains exclusive control over the Diego Garcia military base, used jointly by the UK and the United States. The status of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) has been contentious for many years, and discussions regarding its future commenced in 2022 under the prior Conservative administration. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached out to Prime Minister Jugnauth shortly after the announcement, commending the agreement made between the two nations regarding the archipelago’s sovereignty.
This recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius is viewed as a landmark resolution, culminating extensive negotiations spanning two years. The Chagos Islands comprise about 60 individual islets, and their return is expected to strengthen Mauritius’s claims to its territorial integrity. The statement from the UK government reflects a willingness to finalize the decolonization process, an issue of great significance to Mauritius and its people.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of dispute since they were detached from Mauritius by the British in the 1960s for strategic military reasons. The United Nations has repeatedly called for the return of the islands to Mauritius, viewing the British occupation as a lingering remnant of colonialism. The islands, particularly Diego Garcia, have been pivotal in military operations, which complicated negotiations regarding their sovereignty.
In conclusion, the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands marks a historical milestone in the nation’s decolonization efforts. Prime Minister Jugnauth’s acknowledgment of international support highlights the collaborative nature of this successful diplomatic endeavor. While the UK retains military control over Diego Garcia, the concession of sovereignty paves the way for Mauritius to reclaim its territorial rights and further its autonomy in the region.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
