Mauritian Delegation Heads to London for Chagos Negotiations

A Mauritian delegation, led by Attorney-General Gavin Glover, departed for London on January 7, to engage in negotiations with the United Kingdom regarding the return of the Chagos Archipelago. This delegation is part of ongoing efforts to settle disputes related to the sovereignty over the islands, particularly the strategic U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia.

Prior to their departure, an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam convened on same day.

The meeting included key government figures, such as Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, Foreign Affairs Minister Ritish Ramful, and senior officials, to finalize the details of the upcoming discussions.

In addition to Gavin Glover, the delegation includes constitutional expert Milan Meetarbhan and Solicitor General Dhiren Dabee, among other specialists in Chagos-related affairs.

This round of negotiations continues discussions that were initiated following the recent general elections in Mauritius, aiming to revisit certain aspects of a political agreement made on October 3 between then-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Approximately two weeks prior, a British delegation visited Mauritius to present counter-proposals concerning suggestions put forth by the new Mauritian government.

Under Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam’s leadership, the Mauritian side is keen to revisit three critical points outlined in the previous agreement.

The first point concerns the lease duration for Diego Garcia, where the U.S.-British military base is located.

The original agreement stipulated a 99-year lease, which is viewed by the Mauritian government as excessively restrictive.

The second issue is the language of the agreement itself, particularly a clause allowing the UK to “exercise sovereignty over Mauritian territory” on Diego Garcia.

This wording is perceived as an implicit concession of control for an extended period of 198 years (the initial 99 years, plus one renewal).

The third point focused on the financial terms of the agreement, which the Mauritian government deemed inadequate.

In a joint statement issued on December 20, the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Mauritian government emphasized their commitment to quickly finalize a treaty ensuring Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while also safeguarding the security and functionality of the Diego Garcia base.

However, Mauritian sources suggest that this latest round of discussions may not be decisive yet, despite perceived progress.

The Chagos issue remained an intensely sensitive topic, particularly given the geopolitical ramifications associated with the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president on January 20.

It is believed that the Trump administration may oppose the return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

The Mauritian delegation is aiming to achieve significant advancements in London to address these disputes and establish a more favorable agreement for Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media