UK and Mauritius reach historic agreement over Chagos Islands
After more than 50 years of dispute, the United Kingdom has agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The remote archipelago, home to a US military base, will now be under Mauritian sovereignty in exchange for the continuation of the military base for the next 99 years. This deal has evoked mixed reactions from the Chagossians, who were forcibly exiled from their homeland in the 1960s and 1970s.
While some Chagossians see this as a positive step towards reclaiming their rights, others feel excluded from the negotiation process between the two governments. The agreement also includes financial support for Mauritius and a trust fund for the descendants of exiled Chagossians.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention due to conflicting claims about the indigenous nature of the Chagossians. The UK’s control over the region dates back to its colonial rule, and the establishment of a US military base on Diego Garcia in the 1970s further complicated the issue.
Mauritius challenged the UK’s control of the islands, leading to a legal battle that culminated in the recent agreement. While some Chagossians feel betrayed by the deal, others view it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of past mistakes. The UK and Mauritius have pledged to work together on various projects, including environmental protection and crime prevention.
As the Chagossians continue to seek self-determination and inclusion in decision-making processes, the resolution of this longstanding dispute marks a significant turning point in the history of the Chagos Islands.
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