UK Transfers Chagos Islands to Mauritius: Key Facts for Exams

UK Transfers Chagos Islands to Mauritius: Key Facts for Exams

In a historic development on May 22, 2025, the United Kingdom officially agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, formerly a UK overseas territory known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius, ending a long-standing UK-Mauritius dispute. This Mauritius sovereignty transfer reflects a global push for the decolonization of Chagos and adherence to international legal rulings, marking a significant milestone in Mauritius’ sovereignty and post-colonial sovereignty issues.

What Are the Chagos Islands?

The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, was under British control since 1814. The largest island, Diego Garcia, is of strategic importance and hosts a major US military base in the Indian Ocean, established through a UK-US defense agreement. This US-UK military facility, including the crucial Diego Garcia airfield, plays a vital role in regional stability and counter-terrorism operations.

Key Elements of the 2025 Agreement

  • Sovereignty Handover: The UK officially recognizes Mauritius’s sovereignty over the entire Chagos Archipelago, completing the decolonization process of Chagos.
  • Diego Garcia Lease: Though sovereignty shifts to Mauritius, the UK retains control over Diego Garcia through a 99-year agreement.
  • Lease Terms: As part of the £3.4bn deal, Mauritius will receive an annual payment of £101 million for the Diego Garcia lease.
  • Economic Package: The UK commits to a £45 million annual support to Mauritius and a £40 million trust fund for displaced Chagossians.

Historical Background

  • 1960s–70s: The forced displacement of Chagossians occurred, with around 2,000 people subjected to involuntary relocation to build the US military base in the Indian Ocean, a controversial aspect of the island’s history.
  • 2019 ICJ Ruling: The International Court of Justice ruling declared that British control of Chagos is unlawful and must end, supporting Mauritius’ territorial claim.
  • UN & African Union Support: Both backed the United Nations resolution on Chagos, supporting the Mauritius territorial claim and adding diplomatic pressure on the UK.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

  • Military Significance: Diego Garcia remains crucial for Indo-Pacific military operations, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian aid deployments.
  • Security Clause: The £3.4bn deal includes a provision barring rival powers from stationing military forces in the region, addressing national security concerns.
  • Indian Ocean Geopolitics: The strategic location of the US military base in Indian Ocean continues to play a vital role in Indian Ocean security and regional stability.
  • India’s Response: India welcomed the Mauritius sovereignty transfer, aligning with its support for Mauritius independence and regional sovereignty.

Chagossian Response

Many members of the Chagossian diaspora have criticized the £3.4bn deal for excluding them from negotiations and not offering comprehensive Chagossian resettlement plans. Legal challenges, including a High Court challenge in the UK, were dismissed. The issue of forced displacement of Chagossians continues to be a point of contention in the decolonization process.

Political Leadership

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam played a crucial role in finalizing this historic agreement, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Mauritius Prime Minister’s involvement underscored the significance of the deal for the island nation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed support for the £3.4bn deal, emphasizing the continued strategic importance of Diego Garcia airfield for US operations.

Exam-Relevant Takeaways

  • This agreement is part of the larger trend of global decolonization and resolution of post-colonial sovereignty issues, marking the end of the UK overseas territory known as the British Indian Ocean Territory.
  • It balances international legal compliance with strategic military interests in the Indian Ocean.
  • Mauritius gains both sovereignty and financial benefits through the £3.4bn deal, marking a significant step since its independence.
  • Diego Garcia remains under Western control through the UK-Mauritius deal, showing continued geopolitical interest in the Indian Ocean.
  • The forced displacement of Chagossians and their ongoing struggle for resettlement highlight the human cost of strategic military decisions in the decolonization process.
  • The 99-year Diego Garcia lease agreement demonstrates the long-term planning involved in international military cooperation and regional security.

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