UK to Transfer Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius After 50 Years
The United Kingdom has reached an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending half a century of British control over the archipelago located 500 kilometers south of the Maldives.
Joint Statement and Agreement Details
The decision was announced today in a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministers of the UK and Mauritius.
The agreement is the result of two years of negotiations between the two nations.
"Today’s political agreement is subject to the finalisation of a treaty and supporting legal instruments, which both sides have committed to complete as quickly as possible," the statement said.
US Military Base on Diego Garcia
The Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia—the closest island to the Maldives—are currently home to a long-term leased U.S. military base.
This base, a strategic location for naval ships, bombers, and long-haul aircraft, will continue to operate under the terms of the agreement.
The United States will be permitted to continue its military presence on Diego Garcia, a critical location for maintaining geopolitical balance in the region, particularly concerning India and China.
Sovereignty and Military Presence
"Under the terms of this treaty, the United Kingdom will agree that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. At the same time, both our countries are committed to ensuring the long-term, secure, and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia, which plays a vital role in regional and global security," the statement further clarified.
The treaty will allow the UK to exercise certain sovereign rights concerning Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, ensuring the base’s continued operation.
Historical Context and International Rulings
The agreement follows a 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Britain's occupation of the Chagos Islands illegal, asserting that Mauritius is the rightful sovereign.
While the ICJ ruling was not legally binding, it spurred action from the United Nations General Assembly, which urged the UK to adhere to the court’s opinion.
This shift also follows Mauritius filing a case against the Maldives at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), disputing the maritime boundary between the two nations.
ITLOS ruled that the UK had no jurisdiction over the Chagos Islands and allocated the overlapping maritime area between Maldives and Mauritius.
Maldives was granted 47,232 square kilometers, while Mauritius received 45,331 square kilometers.
Impact on Maldivian Politics
The resolution of the maritime boundary has been a contentious issue in Maldivian politics, with the opposition accusing the previous government of conceding territory.
The current administration has pledged to address the matter, establishing a special committee to oversee efforts.