Mauritius to Assume Sovereignty Over Chagos Islands After “Historic Agreement” With UK
After reaching a “historic agreement” with the UK, Mauritius is set to assume sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, as announced by the British government on Thursday. The terms of the deal include the UK maintaining its joint military base with the United States on Diego Garcia in the archipelago.
The announcement, made on October 3, 2024, was hailed as a significant moment by Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin, who described it as a day to commemorate full sovereignty over the territory. U.S. President Joe Biden also praised the agreement, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and partnership in resolving longstanding disputes.
The Chagos Islands were detached from Mauritius in 1965 by the UK, which created the British Indian Ocean Territory. The expulsion of almost 2,000 residents in the early 1970s to make way for a military base led to decades of controversy, culminating in the recent agreement between Mauritius and the UK.
This development reflects a shift in British policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing respect for international law. The resolution of this longstanding dispute symbolizes the power of diplomacy in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.