Olivier Bancoult’s Book Launch: Chagos’ “Cry for Freedom”

As negotiations intensify between Mauritius, the UK, and the new Trump administration, Olivier Bancoult, leader of the Chagos Refugees Group (GRC), is holding onto hope for a positive outcome. What does he demand?

“We seek compensation, reparations and the right to return to our native islands.“ Bancoult reiterated his stance following the launch of his biography, “Olivier Bancoult:

A Cry for Freedom – The Story of Chagos,” written by Ibrahim Alladin. The book launch took place at the Lisette Talate Centre in Pointe-aux-Sables on February 12.

It’s worth recalling that just a few months ago, in late November 2024, the same centre was the scene of two opposing groups and visions for the future of the Chagossians.

On one side were Olivier Bancoult and his supporters, including many native islanders, while on the other were descendants of Chagossians who identified as British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Citizens, waving their British passports.

During the book launch, Bancoult highlighted that there are now only 322 native islanders left, and that centenary celebrations could soon be on the cards.

The event was punctuated by a video featuring several native islanders who stated that they “recognise Olivier Bancoult as our representative” and that “zanfan pa kapav desid pou nou” – Our children cannot decide for Us.

Bancoult welcomed the UK’s recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos as a significant step in the right direction, saying that a return to “Peros, Salomon se kan mem bon dan plas nanye” – Peros, Salomon Islands, is a place where we can live well.

He also demanded the right to return to Diego Garcia.

According to him, those opposing the ongoing negotiations “li vreman pena lespri” – They are not being reasonable.

Bancoult noted that today there are 322 native islanders, with the youngest being 52 years old.

“Eski ou krwar ki zour kot nepli pou ena natif, travay-la pou vinn pli fasil?“- If there were fewer native islanders left, would it be easier to get what we want?.

He insisted that “the majority of those against the agreement are Chagossians of third or fourth generation. They have chosen to settle in England. It’s their right. But they must respect those who don’t want to go to England. ‘paske Langleter pa so pei sa. Zot anvi ‘bypass’ natif” – because England is not our country home, they are trying to bypass natives.”

Bancoult clarified that “we are apolitical. We work with all governments.”

In attendance were Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, seated on either side of him.

“We wouldn’t have supported an agreement with nothing for the Chagossians,” Bancoult said.

“Today, we have assurances from Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger.

We’re sure the government will do something for the Chagossians, especially the native islanders.”

Source: l’Express