In a historic move, Britain has agreed to hand sovereignty of the long-disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius, securing the future of the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. This agreement, according to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, will strengthen global security, prevent illegal migration routes, and cement the UK’s relationship with Mauritius.
The US Navy base at Diego Garcia has been deemed vital for security operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa, making the agreement crucial for international partners. Despite the displacement of 1,500 Chagos Islanders to make way for the base in the 1970s, it remains unclear if they will have the right to return to their homeland.
President Joe Biden applauded the agreement, emphasizing the base’s importance in preserving national security. The deal, supported by both countries, will need to be finalized through legal processes before it is officially implemented.
This agreement not only secures the military base but also affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitics.