The UK’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has raised significant concerns, with Downing Street suggesting that the incoming US President Donald Trump should review the agreement before it proceeds. The deal, which includes maintaining a 99-year lease on the joint UK-US military airbase on the largest island, Diego Garcia, has prompted mixed reactions.
Efforts were reportedly made to secure the treaty’s signing before Trump’s inauguration on Monday, with expectations that Mauritius’ cabinet would approve the proposal on Wednesday. However, this timeline has been delayed, with Mauritius’ Attorney General heading to London for continued discussions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s office indicated that it was “reasonable” for the incoming US administration to review the details of the agreement. This move comes amid criticism from various quarters, including Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, who called the development “complete humiliation” for the Prime Minister, accusing Labour of rushing the deal before Trump’s return to office.
The planned handover of the Chagos Islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), stems from ongoing disputes between the UK and Mauritius. The UK took control of the islands in 1965, evicting over 1,000 residents to make way for the Diego Garcia military base. Despite Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, the country has consistently asserted its sovereignty over the islands. The United Nations’ highest court has ruled that the UK’s administration of the territory is unlawful.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch strongly opposed the deal, accusing Starmer of negotiating a “secret deal” to relinquish British territory. Badenoch claimed that the UK would bear the financial cost of the handover, though the price tag for the deal has not been disclosed. In contrast, Starmer defended the plan during Prime Minister’s Questions, emphasizing that the agreement was in line with ongoing negotiations and crucial for maintaining the military base on Diego Garcia.
The deal would allow Mauritius to begin resettlement programs on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia, while addressing historical grievances, as stated in a joint statement between the UK and Mauritius. However, Chagossian communities, including those residing in Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK, have voiced concerns over being excluded from the negotiations.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who had previously planned to sign the deal, expressed reservations after his election, requesting an independent review of the agreement. Despite the challenges, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has maintained that the deal is beneficial for national security, securing the legal foundation of the Diego Garcia base.
As discussions continue, political tensions surrounding the Chagos Islands handover are expected to intensify, with both domestic and international stakeholders closely monitoring the outcome.
