Navin Ramgoolam: “Chagossians’ Exile is now over… The BIOT is dead!”

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that a historic agreement had been reached between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago. He called this moment the end of a 60-year fight. Ramgoolam made these remarks during a press conference on Friday, May 23, after signing a treaty that officially returns the islands to Mauritius.

A Diplomatic Victory

Ramgoolam said the decolonization process is now complete. He emphasized that Mauritius can now exercise full sovereignty over the entire archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

He also briefly recounted the history of the struggle, which began in 1965 during constitutional talks with Britain.

Celebrating this diplomatic success, Ramgoolam described the occasion as “one of the greatest moments of pride in our modern history.”

He thanked key supporters, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his crucial role and unwavering support throughout the fight.

He also praised Olivier Bancoult, a prominent figure in the Chagossian cause, and paid tribute to Sir Anerood Jugnauth, who carried on the struggle started by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.

In a political tone, Ramgoolam criticized the Mauritian opposition MSM (Militant Socialist Movement), saying:

“They accepted money without respecting sovereignty… MSM has sold out this country.”

A New Chapter for the Chagossians

Ramgoolam declared strongly that with this agreement, “the exile of the Chagossians is over.”

He announced that an official visit would soon be organized to allow the Chagossian community to return to their ancestral lands.

As a tangible sign of sovereignty, he stated that the Mauritian flag will now fly over the islands.

When asked about the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), Ramgoolam responded, “The BIOT is dead!”

Source: Defi Media