V Set to Finalize Chagos Agreement with Mauritius
Sir Keir Starmer is set to finalize a significant agreement on Thursday that will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. This deal, which has been in the works for some time, will allow the UK and the US to maintain operations at a crucial military base on one of the islands for an initial period of 99 years, in exchange for a substantial financial payment. The virtual signing ceremony will involve representatives from the Mauritian government and is expected to address various concerns that have arisen during negotiations.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement to hand over control of the Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), was initially announced last October. It followed negotiations with former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. However, the deal faced delays after the recent elections in both Mauritius and the United States. The new Mauritian Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has expressed reservations about the agreement, which contributed to the stall in negotiations. Additionally, the election of Donald Trump raised concerns among US officials, who wanted to review the implications of the deal, particularly regarding Mauritius’ ties with China. Despite these challenges, Trump has recently indicated support for the agreement.
Impact on the Chagossian Community
The Chagossian community, which has long sought to return to their homeland, has been invited to meet with Stephen Doughty, the minister for Europe, North America, and overseas territories, on the day of the signing. This meeting will include six representatives from various Chagossian groups and aims to discuss the implications of the sovereignty transfer. The Foreign Office has emphasized that the deal will safeguard the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which is deemed vital for national security. However, the specifics of the financial arrangements, including the estimated costs to British taxpayers, remain unclear, though they are expected to be substantial.
Historical Context and International Pressure
The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965, during a time when Mauritius was still a British colony. The UK purchased the islands for ยฃ3 million, but Mauritius argues that it was coerced into relinquishing control as part of its independence negotiations in 1968. In recent years, various United Nations bodies have supported Mauritius’ claims to sovereignty over the islands, increasing international pressure on the UK to return control. The previous Conservative government initiated discussions regarding the legal status of the islands in late 2022, but the current Labour government has faced criticism for its willingness to proceed with the transfer.
Future Considerations and Military Significance
Following the signing ceremony, Members of Parliament will be briefed on the terms of the deal in the House of Commons. Reports suggest that there may be provisions for a 40-year extension of the military base lease. Defence Secretary John Healey has underscored the importance of the Diego Garcia base for UK security and its relationship with the US. He stated that the government is taking necessary actions to secure the future of the base, which is considered essential for national security. The developments surrounding the Chagos Islands and the military base will continue to be closely monitored by both the UK government and international observers.
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