Britain is working towards finalizing an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication last month that he is “inclined” to support the arrangement. However, critics argue that this deal may jeopardize the security of the joint U.S.-U.K. military base located on the islands, particularly in light of concerns regarding China’s growing relationship with Mauritius.
Many of the original inhabitants of the islands, who were forcibly removed to facilitate the establishment of the base on Diego Garcia during the 1960s and 1970s, have expressed their discontent with the agreement, claiming their perspectives have been overlooked.
British colony
The Chagos Islands, officially referred to as the “British Indian Ocean Territory,” represent one of the final remnants of the British Empire. This archipelago consists of over 60 islands situated in the Indian Ocean, with Diego Garcia being the largest. Britain acquired ownership of the islands from France following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815.
The islands were governed from Mauritius, which contends that it was unlawfully compelled to relinquish the Chagos Islands in exchange for its independence from Britain in 1968.
In a 2019 advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague determined that “the process of decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed when that country acceded to independence.” The judges further stated that Britain has a responsibility “to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible.”
Sovereignty Discussions
Discussions regarding the transfer of sovereignty from Britain to Mauritius have been ongoing for several years. Since assuming office in July of the previous year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has a background in human rights law, has been working to finalize this agreement.
In a recent address to British lawmakers, Starmer emphasized the importance of reaching a deal to ensure the future of the U.S. military base. He stated, “This military base is crucial for our national security. In the past, the legal status of this base was called into question. Without legal clarity, its operations cannot function effectively, which poses a risk to our national security and benefits our adversaries,” as he remarked on February 5.
Reports from British media indicate that the UK is prepared to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and compensate Mauritius approximately $116 million annually for a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, allowing the military base to continue its operations, with an option to extend the lease for an additional 40 years. However, specific details have not been confirmed by either party, and the agreement remains unfinalized.
Trump’s Support
During Starmer’s recent visit to the White House, former President Trump expressed that he was “inclined” to support the agreement. He remarked, “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well. They’re discussing a very long-term, robust lease—about 140 years, in fact. That’s a significant duration, and I believe we will be inclined to support your country,” Trump conveyed to Starmer on February 27.
The proposed agreement is also supported by India, which maintains strong political and security connections with Mauritius.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius on Tuesday as the chief guest for the nation’s national day, marking its independence from British rule. During his visit, Modi is anticipated to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing India’s defense collaboration with the island.
Concerns Regarding China
However, politicians in both Britain and the United States have raised alarms about the potential security risks associated with transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, particularly in light of the increasing threat posed by China in the region.
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary for the Conservative opposition in Britain, characterized the proposed initiative as “a strategic disaster for Britain,” labeling it “an appalling betrayal of the British people.”
Members of Britain’s Shadow Cabinet are tasked with examining government policies and actions but lack executive authority.
U.S. Senator James Risch, a prominent figure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, remarked in October that the proposed agreement “succumbs to Chinese lawfare and capitulates to pressure from unaccountable international bodies like the International Court of Justice, jeopardizing U.S. and U.K. strategic and military interests.”
“The U.S. and our allies must adopt a long-term perspective when making decisions that impact our strategic competition with China, or we will all face losses,” Risch stated in an interview with Politico.
Evan Fowler from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China highlighted that China’s expanding economic ties with Mauritius render the African island nation susceptible to Beijing’s influence.
The intricacies of the situation highlight that securing a deal for the base is a positive development. However, it is essential to recognize that not all agreements are beneficial. China has made substantial investments, and Mauritius carries a significant debt to China. Historically, China has leveraged such debt to gain political leverage.
“This region holds strategic importance for us as it allows us to project our influence,” Fowler stated in an interview with VOA. “The Chinese are aware of this as well. They have already demonstrated military activity near the Chagos Islands.”
Chagossians Remain Marginalized
Following their expulsion, many Chagossians relocated to Mauritius, while others moved to the United Kingdom, particularly settling in Crawley, a town south of London.
Frankie Bontemps and Maxwell Evenor, second-generation Chagossians whose parents were displaced in the 1960s, are members of “Chagossian Voices,” an organization advocating for the rights of the exiled community.
“Once again, we find ourselves overlooked,” Bontemps expressed to VOA. “Discussions about the future of our homeland are taking place without our input. It feels as though history is repeating itself. We feel voiceless and powerless, as we are being marginalized once more — I would say by Mauritius, the U.K., and the U.S.”
Numerous Chagossians contend that Mauritius has no legitimate claim to their homeland and oppose Britain’s proposed agreement to transfer sovereignty.
“We find ourselves in a situation where our identity and existence are being handed over to another party through a fabricated policy without our consent,” Evenor stated to VOA, emphasizing that there can be no historical connection between the Chagos Islands and Mauritius, given the distance of 2,000 kilometers.
“We remain colonized. We are the last colony in Africa,” Evenor remarked.
Diego Garcia
The displaced Chagossians have been informed that, as part of the agreement with Mauritius, they would have the opportunity to return to the outer islands of the Chagos archipelago, but access to Diego Garcia would be prohibited.
Nonetheless, Bontemps pointed out that the infrastructure on the outer islands is nearly non-existent, noting that most Chagossians would prefer to live near the military base on Diego Garcia.
“I believe the majority of us have no issues with that base. We understand its geopolitical significance and the concerns regarding China or other threats,” Bontemps shared with VOA. “We wish to reside on the land of our ancestors. Additionally, the base would provide employment opportunities for us.”
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