UK to Transfer Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius in Historic Agreement

The United Kingdom has announced it will relinquish control over the Chagos Islands, a strategically important group in the Indian Ocean, following more than five decades of disputes.

After years of negotiations, a historic agreement between the UK and Mauritius has been reached, marking the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. This also involves the US military’s continued use of Diego Garcia as a base for long-range bombers and naval ships.

This agreement ends years of contentious discussions between the two nations and was formally declared in a joint statement by the prime ministers of the UK and Mauritius.

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, highlighted that one of the benefits of the agreement is closing “a potential illegal migration route.” In addition to sovereignty, the UK will offer Mauritius financial support, including yearly payments and investments in infrastructure, alongside a resettlement program for Chagossians, although Diego Garcia will remain excluded from resettlement for an initial period of 99 years to maintain the US-UK military base.

While a final treaty is still pending, both parties have committed to completing the process promptly. The leaders emphasized their dedication to resolving disputes peacefully and ensuring the continued operation of the Diego Garcia base, which is vital for regional and global security.

This agreement also aims to address past wrongs and demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of the Chagossian people, who have faced displacement for decades.