Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty: Mauritius and UK Sign Historic Deal

In a landmark development, Mauritius has officially regained sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, following the signing of a treaty with the United Kingdom on Thursday.

Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam announced the agreement during a virtual press conference, describing it as a “great victory” that completes Mauritius’s decolonisation process initiated in 1968. The treaty recognizes Mauritius’s sovereignty over the entire archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

The UK government acknowledged this sovereignty transfer, which is seen as a significant step in resolving long-standing territorial disputes. As part of the agreement, a trust fund worth £40 million (over Rs 2.5 billion) will be established for the Chagossians, with potential additional funds exceeding £50 million.

Moreover, Mauritius will reportedly receive an upfront payment of £165 million (more than Rs 10 billion) annually over the next 28 years to support development and resettlement efforts. The Chagossian community will have the opportunity to return and resettle on the islands.

Mauritius’s Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger called the deal “historic,” emphasising its importance for the nation’s sovereignty.

Chagos: The UK to Operate Diego Garcia Military Base

However, the agreement also preserves a significant military arrangement. The UK and the US will continue to operate the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years.

The UK will retain full operational control of Diego Garcia, including the electromagnetic spectrum satellite used for communications which counters hostile interference.

A 24-nautical mile buffer zone will be put in place around the island where nothing can be built or placed without UK consent.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK highlighted the deal’s strategic importance, noting that the cost to the UK is approximately £3.4 billion ($4.5 billion).

He stressed that maintaining access to the base provides “unique and vital capabilities” beneficial to both nations, especially in the context of regional security and the potential threat of other nations establishing bases in the region.

Historically, Britain took control of the islands in the early 19th century after defeating French forces and officially incorporated Mauritius and its dependencies as a British colony in 1814, following the Treaty of Paris.

The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965, a move that has been contentious and subject to ongoing legal disputes.

Sources: Defi Media, The Independent