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Mauritius: Victory in diplomatic conflict with London but not for all Chagossians

June 19, 2025

of the Chagos Archipelago Agreement The United Kingdom has reached an agreement to return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius after decades of political conflict, ending a dispute that began when the UK separated the territory from Mauritius before its independence in 1968. Under the October 2024 agreement, Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the archipelago and can resettle Chagossian people on all islands except Diego Garcia, where the UK retains a 99-year military base lease for £101 million annually. While Mauritian officials celebrate this development, many Chagossians who were forcibly removed in 1973 oppose the agreement, arguing they have a distinct identity from Mauritians and fear their rights will not be respected under Mauritian governance.

Who is affected

  • The Chagossian people who were deported in 1973 and have been seeking the right to return and compensation
  • The government and citizens of Mauritius who regain sovereignty over the archipelago
  • The United Kingdom, which maintains its military presence on Diego Garcia
  • The United States, which operates joint military facilities with the UK on Diego Garcia
  • Chagossian communities living in British territory who identify as having a distinct cultural identity from Mauritians

What action is being taken

  • The United Kingdom is transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while maintaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia
  • The UK is paying £101 million annually to Mauritius as part of the agreement
  • Mauritius is preparing to implement a resettlement program for Chagossians on islands other than Diego Garcia
  • Both countries are cooperating on environmental protection matters including oil spills and illegal fishing
  • Chagossian representatives are voicing opposition to the agreement through community platforms and media interviews

Why it matters

  • This resolves a long-standing colonial dispute that has existed since before Mauritius gained independence in 1968
  • The agreement addresses the forced displacement of Chagossians who were removed from their homeland in 1973
  • It demonstrates the role of international pressure, including United Nations resolutions and International Court of Justice proceedings, in resolving territorial disputes
  • The agreement highlights ongoing tensions between national sovereignty and the rights of Indigenous or displaced peoples with distinct cultural identities
  • It reflects the incomplete nature of decolonization processes, as European powers continue to maintain influence in former colonies

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices