Mauritius Renegotiates Chagos Islands Deal with the U.K.
Mauritius has reopened negotiations with the U.K. on a deal regarding the Chagos Islands, which was initially proposed in October 2023. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has stated that the draft agreement does not meet its intended benefits for Mauritius. The U.K. retains control over military operations on Diego Garcia while Mauritius asserts its claim over the archipelago, a situation complicated by the historical displacement of the Chagossian people.
Mauritius has revived discussions with the United Kingdom regarding a disputed agreement concerning the Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean. The deal, made in October 2023, has faced scrutiny from newly elected Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who has indicated that the draft agreement does not align with the anticipated benefits for Mauritius. Chagos, previously part of a British colony, was separated by the U.K. to create a British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965, establishing a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, which has led to the displacement of around 2,000 Chagossians. Despite a supportive advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice in 2019, the U.K. has not fully relinquished control, asserting rights over Diego Garcia for military purposes for an extended period. The ongoing negotiations have raised concerns among the Chagossian community about their future and their exclusion from the discussions, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the agreement. In a recent joint statement, both nations expressed their commitment to finalizing a treaty that would solidify Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while ensuring the effective operation of the military base on Diego Garcia. Further details remain elusive as the discussions proceed.
The Chagos Islands have a complex history, starting as part of the British colony of Mauritius until its separation in 1965, which led to their incorporation into the British Indian Ocean Territory. After gaining independence in 1968, Mauritius lost control of Chagos, and the U.K. allowed the establishment of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, displacing the native Chagossian population. The contentious nature of British control was highlighted by the International Court of Justice’s 2019 advisory opinion favoring Mauritius, yet subsequent negotiations have encountered challenges, particularly concerning the rights of the displaced Chagossian population.
The negotiations between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Islands remain fraught with complexity. New Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam’s decision to review the recent agreement reflects the ongoing struggle for clarity and justice for the Chagossian people. As both nations commit to expediting a formal treaty, it is essential to address the concerns and rights of the Chagossians to ensure an equitable resolution. The outcome of these talks will significantly impact the future of Chagos and its inhabitants.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
