UK Cedes Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius in Historic Deal

UK Cedes Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius
In a historic move, the United Kingdom has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, bringing an end to a prolonged territorial dispute. Announced on October 3, 2024, the deal allows the Mauritian people to return to the islands after being expelled decades ago to make way for the Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, hosts a joint UK-US military base that is considered crucial for national, regional, and global security. The agreement ensures the continued operation of the base for at least the next 99 years.

Reactions to the Agreement
The deal has been welcomed by Mauritius, which views the handover of the islands as the completion of its decolonization process. However, some descendants of the original Chagossian inhabitants, who were forcibly relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles between 1967 and 1973, have criticized the agreement for not guaranteeing their right to return to their homeland.

Geopolitical Implications
The UK's decision to cede the Chagos Islands has also drawn attention from Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The Argentine government sees this agreement as a potential precedent for the return of the Falklands.

Key Points of the Agreement:

• The UK transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

• The deal guarantees long-term operation of the Diego Garcia military base.

• Mauritius commits to resettling the original inhabitants of the islands.

• The agreement has drawn mixed reactions from Chagossians.

• The handover has significant geopolitical implications for the region.

This historic agreement marks a major step towards justice for the Mauritian people and lays the foundation for future cooperation between the UK and Mauritius.