Trump Signals Historic Shift: Willing to Grant Mauritius Sovereignty Over Chagos

In a significant turn of diplomatic tides, Donald Trump has indicated that he will not stand in the way of the British government’s decision to grant sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This news came amidst complex geopolitical considerations; the United States has historically had reservations about transferring these islands to a nation perceived as an ally of China.

The announcement was made during a meeting held on Thursday, 27 February, at the White House, where Trump welcomed Sir Keir Starmer.

This decision marks a remarkable shift, as it involves compensating Mauritius for retaining a vital American-British military base in the archipelago.

The news, reported by AFP, suggested an unexpected ease within the often turbulent waters of international relations, reflecting both the changing attitudes towards colonial histories and the strategic interests at play in the Indian Ocean.

Source: Le Mauricien