Politics
Chagos: Glover’s Mission in London Pursues 3 Key Demands

Gavin Glover, the Attorney General leading the Mauritian delegation, is currently in London to negotiate a crucial agreement regarding the Chagos Archipelago. The discussions, labeled as “intense” by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), aim to expedite the finalization of the accord concerning the Chagos Islands.
Notably, while there is pressure to reach an agreement before the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, on January 20, the Mauritian delegation is not officially emphasizing this deadline.
In reports by the Financial Times, there is speculation about a potential early disbursement of funds from London as an incentive to conclude negotiations with Port-Louis.
However, the scope of the discussions encompasses more than just financial compensation, as emphasized by representatives from Mauritius.
Initially, Mauritius had reportedly sought £800 million annually (approximately Rs 45 billion) for the lease of Diego Garcia, along with billions in reparations.
These figures have been widely circulated in the British press but remain unofficial and have been denied by the PMO.
A Mauritian official close to the Chagos matter asserted that the negotiations are not solely about financial gain but fundamentally about sovereignty.
The Mauritian position is defined by three critical elements:
- Full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
- The duration of the proposed 99-year lease, which is deemed excessive.
- Financial compensation adjusted to account for inflation.
In a recent press conference, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam reiterated his stance, stating:
“The tenant cannot become the owner.”
Challenges of Renewed Negotiations
Current negotiations occur within a sensitive context. An earlier agreement reached in October 2024 between former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer was criticized by Ramgoolam’s administration as inadequate.
Since regaining power, Ramgoolam has expressed his dissatisfaction, particularly to outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
An article in The Times highlighted that Ramgoolam’s electoral victory complicated British plans, noting:
“It did not help Britain either, since Ramgoolam is now demanding more money.”
Diego Garcia: A Strategic Asset
The ongoing negotiations involved maintaining a 99-year British lease on Diego Garcia, which houses a vital American military base.
This base has served as a critical hub for bombers and naval operations and has played a significant role in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Since gaining independence in the 1960s, the UK has retained control over the Chagos Islands, forcibly relocating thousands of Chagossians.
These displaced individuals have since pursued legal actions seeking compensation for their losses.
Inflation & Sovereignty: Key Topics in Talks
A PMO official pointed out that inflation, a factor overlooked in previous discussions, must now be integrated into negotiations.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that any agreement should be firmly based on three pillars: sovereignty, lease duration, and financial terms.
The primary objective remains clear: to restore Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while ensuring fair compensation for the prolonged use of Diego Garcia.
As negotiations continue, the urgency increases to reach a conclusion ahead of any significant geopolitical shifts initiated by Donald Trump’s presidency.
Source: l’Express