On May 22, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer formalized an agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending over two centuries of British control. This landmark decision, following a High Court ruling that lifted a last-minute injunction, addresses decades of legal disputes and marks a significant step in decolonization. The agreement ensures the continued operation of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.
Historical Context of the Chagos Islands
Colonial Legacy and Displacement
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been under British control since 1814. In 1965, the UK detached the islands from Mauritius to form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), just before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a strategic US-UK military base, critical for operations in the Middle East, East Africa, and South Asia. Between 1968 and 1973, approximately 1,500-2,000 Chagossians were forcibly displaced to Mauritius and the Seychelles, an act widely criticized as a colonial injustice.
The Legal Journey
International Pressure and Rulings
The sovereignty dispute gained momentum with a 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared the UK’s separation of the Chagos Islands as unlawful and urged their return to Mauritius. This was endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2019, supported by 116 member states. Negotiations began in November 2022, culminating in the agreement signed on May 22, 2025, after a High Court injunction by Chagossian representatives was lifted.
Details of the Agreement
Balancing Sovereignty and Security
The agreement grants Mauritius full sovereignty over the Chagos ArchipelagoDiego Garcia, while the UK retains control of the military base under a 99-year lease at an annual cost of £101 million. The deal includes a £40 million trust fund for Chagossians and allows resettlement on islands other than Diego Garcia. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the agreement secures the base’s operation, vital for counterterrorism and intelligence, while addressing legal challenges to UK sovereignty.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sovereignty | Mauritius gains full control over the Chagos Archipelago |
| Diego Garcia | UK leases base for 99 years at £101 million annually |
| Chagossian Support | £40 million trust fund and resettlement on non-Diego Garcia islands |
Reactions in Mauritius
Celebrations and Chagossian Perspectives
In Mauritius, the agreement was met with widespread celebrations, with the Chagos Refugees Group hailing it as a historic moment in completing the country’s decolonization. Olivier Bancoult, leader of the group, described it as the fulfillment of a decades-long struggle. However, some Chagossians, including Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, expressed concerns over their exclusion from negotiations, fearing limited self-determination under Mauritian control.
International Responses
Support and Geopolitical Implications
India welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a step toward regional stability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean, aligning with its support for Mauritius’ sovereignty claim. The United States, through President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, endorsed the deal, citing the continued operation of Diego Garcia as critical for global security. However, critics, including the Maldives, raised concerns about historical connections and potential Chinese influence due to Mauritius’ ties with China.
Financial and Security Concerns
Costs and Criticisms
The financial burden of the agreement, estimated at £3.4 billion over 99 years (with £165 million annually for the first three years and £120 million plus inflation thereafter), has sparked debate. Critics, including Conservative Party members like Priti Patel, argue it is costly and risks increasing Chinese influence in the region. The deal also includes £45 million annually for Mauritian development, raising concerns amid UK domestic budget cuts.
Key Highlights
- Event Date: Agreement signed on May 22, 2025, after a High Court injunction was lifted.
- Sovereignty Transfer: UK cedes Chagos Islands to Mauritius, retaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for £101 million annually.
- Chagossian Rights: Includes a £40 million trust fund and resettlement on non-Diego Garcia islands, though some Chagossians seek self-determination.
- International Support: Backed by India, US, and others, but concerns raised about Chinese influence.
- Exam Relevance: Crucial for understanding decolonization, international law, and geopolitical strategies.