Britain has agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a deal that secures the future of the UK-U.S. Diego Garcia military base and potentially allows displaced people to return home. President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, emphasizing the importance of Diego Garcia for global security. However, critics in Britain argue that the agreement plays into the hands of China, which has close ties with Mauritius. One group representing displaced Chagos Islanders expressed anger for being left out of the negotiations.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy said the deal resolves the contested sovereignty of the islands and ensures the long-term future of Diego Garcia. The strategic importance of the base was highlighted during conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. The agreement guarantees the presence of the base for at least 99 years. Britain detached the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965, displacing almost 2,000 residents in the process.
The deal allows Mauritius to resettle people on the islands other than Diego Garcia. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed the agreement as a step towards complete decolonization. However, groups like Chagossian Voices criticized the exclusion of the Chagossian community from the negotiations. The issue of the Chagos Islands has been a priority for the British government, with opposition claiming it undermines allies and opens doors for China. Despite concerns, the State Department assured that the agreement would safeguard the security of the base. David Blagden, an international security expert, called it a significant victory for Mauritius.
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