UK Cedes Chagos Islands in £3.4bn Deal Amid Controversy and Chagossian Outcry
So, big news from the UK this week—the government has officially signed a £3.4 billion agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This deal comes with a hefty £101 million annual lease to keep the crucial military base on Diego Garcia operational for the next 99 years. Now, if you’re wondering why this matters or why it’s making headlines, let me walk you through the bigger picture.
First off, the Chagos Islands, a remote Indian Ocean archipelago, have been at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war for decades. The UK separated the islands from Mauritius in 1965 before Mauritius gained independence. Fast forward to now, and we’re witnessing a historic moment: the UK is returning those islands to Mauritius, but with a long lease agreement to retain military control over Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US base is located.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the move, saying it’s essential for national security. He stressed that without this deal, the UK could have faced legal challenges that might have opened the door for powers like China to get involved in the region. In his words, “No responsible government could let that happen.” There’s also a buffer zone built into the agreement—24 nautical miles around Diego Garcia where nothing can be built without British consent, keeping other military and civilian forces out.
Also Read:- Lahore Qalandars Stun Karachi Kings in PSL 2025 Eliminator Thriller
- Remembering Jim Irsay: A Legacy of Heart, History, and Horseshoes
Supporters say it’s a smart strategic play. The US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have all backed the move. Even President Trump has reportedly welcomed the deal. But, as you’d expect, the political fallout at home is intense. Critics—including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage—are calling it a sellout. They argue it weakens the UK’s global position and hands control to a nation with close ties to China. Some are going so far as to say the UK is paying to give something away.
Now, here's where the human cost really hits. Chagossians—descendants of the original inhabitants who were forcibly evicted in the 1960s to make way for that military base—feel betrayed. Many are scattered across Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK, particularly in Crawley. Some want to return home, others just want their rights respected. But the deal doesn’t guarantee their right to return to Diego Garcia, the main island.
In fact, a last-minute legal challenge by two Chagossian women—both born on Diego Garcia—was dismissed just hours before the agreement was finalized. Their plea? That they were being stripped of their rights without consultation. And they’re not alone. The community is deeply divided—some are celebrating, others are mourning what they see as another instance of being ignored and displaced.
For Mauritius, this is being hailed as a long-overdue victory. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam called it “a great victory for the Mauritian nation,” reaffirming their long-held claim over the archipelago.
At the end of the day, this deal is more than just money and military strategy. It’s about sovereignty, identity, and historical justice. And while it might resolve one diplomatic chapter, it opens a complex and emotional one for the Chagossian people whose future, once again, is being decided without their voice front and center.
Read More:
0 Comments