The Chagos Islands, a subject of historical injustice, are set to be handed from the UK to Mauritius, a decision celebrated by Pope Leo XIV during a recent meeting with Chagos refugees at the Vatican. The Pope expressed his joy over the treaty, viewing it as a crucial milestone in the ongoing battle for the Chagossian people to reclaim their homeland.
Under the terms of the pact signed in May, Mauritius will obtain sovereignty over the islands, although military presence from the US and UK will persist, particularly at Diego Garcia, for a period of 99 years. The Pope urged Mauritian authorities to facilitate the return of the refugees who were uprooted when the islands were cleared in the 1960s to accommodate a military base.
Addressing the delegation, Pope Leo emphasized: "The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign." He pointed out that all individuals should have their rights and identities respected, especially the fundamental right to inhabit their own land.
The UK acquired the Chagos Islands for £3 million in 1968, and Mauritius has long contended that their relinquishment in exchange for independence was unethically enforced. Consequently, many Chagossians were displaced to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the UK, where they settled primarily in Crawley, West Sussex.
As part of the agreement, the UK is set to compensate Mauritius with approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years. It will also create a 24-mile exclusion zone around Diego Garcia, providing strict limits on development without UK approval. Additionally, access to the other islands in the chain will be restricted, with the UK retaining veto power.
Critics within the UK political landscape, including opposition leaders, have condemned the treaty, framing it as a detrimental move that compromises UK security interests by potentially increasing dependence on Mauritius amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer clarified that the agreement is essential for safeguarding national security, highlighting that failure to proceed could result in other nations establishing military operations nearby.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover celebrated the outcome as the culmination of a 60-year struggle, while two women born on Diego Garcia, who sought to return, had their legal challenge dismissed by the High Court earlier this May. This landmark agreement awaits ratification by parliaments in both the UK and Mauritius.
Under the terms of the pact signed in May, Mauritius will obtain sovereignty over the islands, although military presence from the US and UK will persist, particularly at Diego Garcia, for a period of 99 years. The Pope urged Mauritian authorities to facilitate the return of the refugees who were uprooted when the islands were cleared in the 1960s to accommodate a military base.
Addressing the delegation, Pope Leo emphasized: "The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign." He pointed out that all individuals should have their rights and identities respected, especially the fundamental right to inhabit their own land.
The UK acquired the Chagos Islands for £3 million in 1968, and Mauritius has long contended that their relinquishment in exchange for independence was unethically enforced. Consequently, many Chagossians were displaced to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the UK, where they settled primarily in Crawley, West Sussex.
As part of the agreement, the UK is set to compensate Mauritius with approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years. It will also create a 24-mile exclusion zone around Diego Garcia, providing strict limits on development without UK approval. Additionally, access to the other islands in the chain will be restricted, with the UK retaining veto power.
Critics within the UK political landscape, including opposition leaders, have condemned the treaty, framing it as a detrimental move that compromises UK security interests by potentially increasing dependence on Mauritius amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer clarified that the agreement is essential for safeguarding national security, highlighting that failure to proceed could result in other nations establishing military operations nearby.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover celebrated the outcome as the culmination of a 60-year struggle, while two women born on Diego Garcia, who sought to return, had their legal challenge dismissed by the High Court earlier this May. This landmark agreement awaits ratification by parliaments in both the UK and Mauritius.
