In a significant and historic move, the United Kingdom has announced its decision to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, bringing an end to a decades-long dispute. This agreement follows two years of negotiations that began under the previous Conservative government and were finalized by the current Labour government.
The Chagos Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, have been under British control since the 18th century. The islands gained prominence due to the strategic military base on Diego Garcia, which has been jointly operated by the UK and the US. The base has played a crucial role in regional and global security, including involvement in military operations such as the 2003 war in Iraq and the long-running war in Afghanistan.
Historical Context and Displacement of Chagossians
The history of the Chagos Islands is marked by the forced displacement of its native inhabitants, known as the Chagossians. During the negotiations for Mauritius's independence in the late 1960s, the UK collaborated with the US to establish the military base on Diego Garcia. This led to the relocation of approximately 1,500 Chagossians to Mauritius and the Seychelles, a move that has been widely criticized as a colonial crime and a violation of human rights.
The displacement and subsequent treatment of the Chagossians have been the subject of numerous legal challenges and international condemnation. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2019 that the UK's occupation of the Chagos Islands was unlawful and called for the islands to be returned to Mauritius 'as swiftly as possible'.
Terms of the Agreement
Under the new agreement, Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while the UK and the US will retain control over the military base on Diego Garcia for at least the next 99 years. This arrangement ensures the continued operation of the base, which is critical for regional and global security. The UK will also pay an undisclosed rent to Mauritius and establish a resettlement fund for the displaced Chagossians, allowing them to potentially return to the islands other than Diego Garcia.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the agreement secures the future of the military base and strengthens the UK's role in safeguarding global security. It also aims to address the historical wrongs against the Chagossians and ensure their welfare.
Political Reactions and Controversies
The announcement has sparked a political backlash in the UK, with Conservative leadership contenders criticizing the Labour government's decision. James Cleverly, a former foreign secretary, and Tom Tugendhat, a former security minister, have been involved in a blame game over who initiated the talks. Cleverly's camp has pointed fingers at former Prime Minister Liz Truss, suggesting her decisions set the stage for the current agreement.
Despite the political tensions, the agreement has been welcomed by Mauritius and international partners. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, described the move as the final step in the decolonization process, stating, 'Fifty-six years after our independence, the decolonization is finally complete'. The White House also issued a statement applauding the historic agreement and its implications for global security.
International Support and Implications
The resolution of the Chagos Islands dispute has garnered significant international support. India, in particular, has been credited with playing a quiet but important role in facilitating the negotiations between the UK and Mauritius. The agreement reflects a broader commitment to resolving colonial-era disputes and promoting regional stability.
For more information on the historical and legal context of the Chagos Islands, you can refer to the Chagos Archipelago page on Wikipedia.
