UK Transfers Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius Amid Decolonization Efforts

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the UK announced it will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The agreement follows years of negotiations, allowing Mauritius to reclaim sovereignty while the UK retains its military base on Diego Garcia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended this political agreement shortly after its announcement.

On Friday, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed his gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the announcement by the United Kingdom regarding the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Taken to the social media platform X, Prime Minister Jugnauth acknowledged the assistance of various nations in the country’s decolonization efforts, stating, “Mauritius thanks the African Union, the Government of India, and all friendly countries which have supported us in our fight for completing our decolonisation.”

The UK government revealed a groundbreaking agreement on Thursday that allows for the handover of the Chagos Islands, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, to Mauritius, while still maintaining the joint UK-US military facility on Diego Garcia.

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which includes approximately 60 islands, has been at the center of international disputes for many years. Discussions concerning the future of this territory were initiated during the previous Conservative government in 2022. Following the announcement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached out to Prime Minister Jugnauth to congratulate him on the political accord achieved between the UK and Mauritius regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago after two years of negotiations.

The Chagos Islands, formerly a British colony, have been a contentious issue due to their strategic military importance and the forced displacement of the Chagossian people in the 1960s and 70s. The islands have long been the site of a significant joint military base used by the United Kingdom and the United States. The decolonization efforts surrounding the Chagos Islands reflect ongoing discussions related to historical injustices and the rights of indigenous populations, as well as geopolitical interests in the region. The UK government’s recent agreement to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius is seen as a pivotal step in rectifying these injustices, although the UK will retain military control over Diego Garcia. The negotiations leading up to this agreement have spanned several years and have involved various international stakeholders advocating for the rights of Mauritius and its people.

The announcement of the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius marks a significant milestone in the latter’s decolonization journey. Prime Minister Jugnauth’s expressions of gratitude towards India and other supportive nations underline the importance of international solidarity in addressing historical grievances. The agreement achieved after extensive negotiations reflects a shift in colonial legacies and regional geopolitics, paving the way for Mauritius to reclaim its sovereignty while recognizing the ongoing military presence in the area.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com