Mauritius Vows to 'Decolonise' Chagos Islands After UK Shelves Handover Legislation
The Mauritian government has pledged to "spare no effort" to regain control of the Chagos Islands, following the UK's decision to shelve legislation that would have handed sovereignty of the territory back to Mauritius. This development comes after the UK government acknowledged it had run out of time to pass the necessary bill in the current parliamentary session, largely due to a lack of support from former US President Donald Trump.
Diplomatic Setback and Legal Resolve
Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful declared at an Indian Ocean conference that his government would seize any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonisation process. "This is a matter of justice," he stated, emphasising Mauritius's unwavering commitment to reclaiming the islands. The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under UK control since the 19th century, but their separation from Mauritius before its 1968 independence was ruled unlawful by the International Court of Justice in 2019.
US-UK Relations and Strategic Implications
The shelved plan, which was agreed with the previous US administration under President Joe Biden, would have seen Britain cede sovereignty to Mauritius and pay approximately £35 billion to lease back the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years. Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago, hosts a critical joint US-UK military installation. However, Trump's criticism of the deal, including telling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer he was "making a big mistake," led to the US failing to formally approve amendments to a 1966 treaty, forcing the UK to drop the bill.
Simon McDonald, a former senior Foreign Office official, noted that the government had "no other choice" but to halt the deal, describing it as now in "deep freeze." This setback highlights faltering US-UK relations, particularly amid tensions over issues like the war in Iran. A UK government spokesperson reiterated that ensuring the long-term operational security of Diego Garcia remains a priority, stating the deal was only viable with US support.
Historical Context and Future Steps
The Chagos Islands have a contentious history, with thousands of islanders forcibly deported in the past to make way for the military base. Mauritius Attorney General Gavin Glover attributed the collapse of the handover plan to strained relations between Trump and Starmer, noting that Mauritius is dependent on Anglo-American cooperation. He revealed that Mauritius plans to meet with the British government on 22 April to discuss the Chagos deal further.
Despite the setback, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting denied that the deal is moribund, pointing to a shift in position in Washington and ongoing support within the US administration for securing the islands' long-term interests. However, a new Chagos bill is not expected to feature in the king's speech in May, delaying any legislative progress.
As Mauritius vows to continue its fight for decolonisation, the future of the Chagos Islands remains uncertain, caught between geopolitical strategies and historical justice claims.
