Mauritius Renegotiates Controversial Chagos Agreement with U.K.

Mauritius is reopening talks with the U.K. regarding the contentious Chagos Islands deal. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has called for a review of the agreement made in October, expressing concerns about its benefits for the nation. As the future of Chagos and its displaced community hangs in the balance, discussions continue amidst calls for greater inclusion of Chagossians in negotiations.

Mauritius is currently revisiting negotiations with the United Kingdom regarding the controversial sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. Initially agreed upon in October, this deal has faced scrutiny from the newly appointed Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, who has expressed concerns that the draft agreement would not yield the anticipated benefits for Mauritius. The Chagos archipelago, comprising over 55 coral islands, was formerly managed by the British until its designation as the British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965, despite Mauritius gaining independence in 1968.

The sovereignty of Chagos has been a longstanding issue, particularly as it allowed the establishment of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. This control resulted in the expulsion of approximately 2,000 Chagossians between 1968 to 1973, an action condemned by human rights organizations as a “crime against humanity.” In 2019, the International Court of Justice provided an advisory opinion supporting Mauritius’s claims, yet the U.K. has maintained its stance. A significant announcement in October 2024 indicated the U.K. would transfer sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius while reserving military authority over Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years, a move viewed as a betrayal by many Chagossians who feel marginalized in this discourse.

The Chagossian community, represented by individuals such as Bernadette Dugasse, who suffered displacement, has voiced their frustration at being excluded from negotiations. “They say the negotiations are between states and we are not a state. Who made us stateless in the first place?” she stated, emphasizing the human costs of political agreements.

Olivier Bancoult, a representative for the Mauritius-based Chagos Refugees Group, expressed cautious optimism regarding the Mauritian government’s endeavors despite the political transition. Furthermore, the status of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) established by the U.K. in 2010 remains uncertain, as critics argue its creation was intended to block Chagossians from accessing their ancestral fishing territories. A recent joint statement from both nations affirmed their commitment to finalizing a treaty that would affirm Mauritius as the sovereign entity over Chagos while allowing for the continued operation of the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.

The Prime Minister’s office has not provided comments regarding these developments at this time.

The Chagos Islands have been a contentious political issue since the mid-20th century, primarily due to the British colonial history and subsequent control by the U.K. and the establishment of a U.S. military base which facilitated the forced displacement of the Chagossian people. Legal battles have ensued, including a significant advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice in 2019 supporting Mauritian claims. Recent developments suggest a potential shift in the agreed terms between the U.K. and Mauritius, as the newly elected government seeks to ensure that the rights and interests of the Chagossians are recognized and safeguarded.

The renegotiation of the Chagos agreement between Mauritius and the U.K. highlights the complexities surrounding colonial legacies and the rights of displaced communities. As Mauritius navigates these discussions under new leadership, it remains imperative to consider the voices of the Chagossians, ensuring their interests are included in any future treaty. The commitment to a treaty reflects an essential step towards addressing historical grievances and establishing a just resolution.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com