UK Hands Over Chagos Islands in Historic Agreement

UK Hands Over Chagos Islands to Mauritius: A Historic Agreement

In a historic agreement, the UK hands over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after over 50 years of control. This marks a significant step in resolving long-standing geopolitical disputes while maintaining the key military base at Diego Garcia.

The agreement, which took years of negotiations to finalize, will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while allowing the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia to remain operational. The joint statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth reflects the nations’ commitment to peaceful resolution and the rule of law.

The Strategic Importance of the Chagos Islands and Why the UK Surrendered Sovereignty

Strategic Importance of the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia, a tropical atoll within the Chagos Islands, plays a critical role in global and regional security. It serves as a US military base for naval ships and long-range bombers, which is why maintaining the base was a key factor in finalizing the agreement.

While the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands will transfer to Mauritius, Diego Garcia will remain under UK control for an initial period of 99 years to ensure its military function continues. This compromise allowed the deal to move forward, even amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region involving China and India.

How the Chagos Islands Agreement Impacts Geopolitical Security

The treaty is significant in its geopolitical context, especially as Western countries and major global powers vie for influence in the Indian Ocean. US President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement, calling it a clear demonstration that diplomacy can resolve long-standing challenges peacefully.

However, not everyone is satisfied. Chagossians, many of whom were forced off the islands decades ago, feel excluded from the negotiations and have voiced concerns about their future. Some argue that their voices have not been heard, and they remain powerless in determining the fate of their homeland.

This agreement also comes at a crucial time for the UK, which is seeking more international support, particularly from African nations, in light of other global issues like the war in Ukraine. The negotiations began under the previous UK government, but the urgency reflects shifting priorities in the international landscape.

While the UK will continue to support Mauritius with financial assistance and infrastructure investments, Chagossians will not be able to return to Diego Garcia under this agreement. Resettlement will be limited to other islands within the Chagos Archipelago.