Faith Nyasuguta
In a historic move, the United Kingdom has officially agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, concluding a decades-long territorial dispute and marking the end of Britain’s last African colony. The agreement, finalized on May 22, 2025, allows the UK to retain control over the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base through a 99-year lease.
Under the terms, the UK will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million ($136 million) annually, amounting to a total of £3.4 billion over the lease period.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of the deal for national security, stating that the base plays a crucial role in global military operations. The agreement ensures the continued operation of the US-UK military installation, which has been pivotal in missions across the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
The Chagos Archipelago, comprising over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, was separated from Mauritius in 1965 to form the British Indian Ocean Territory. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, approximately 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed to facilitate the construction of the military base on Diego Garcia. This displacement has been a point of contention, leading to legal challenges and international criticism.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK’s continued administration of the Chagos Islands was unlawful and called for their return to Mauritius. The United Nations General Assembly supported this advisory opinion, increasing pressure on the UK to resolve the sovereignty issue.
The recent agreement includes provisions for the resettlement of Chagossians on islands other than Diego Garcia. A £40 million trust fund has been established to support the displaced community, many of whom have lived in exile for over five decades.
While the deal has been welcomed by international partners, including the United States and India, it has faced criticism within the UK. Opposition figures argue that the agreement compromises British sovereignty and question the financial implications for taxpayers.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed the agreement as a significant step toward completing the country’s decolonization process. He expressed hope that the Chagossian community would soon be able to return to their ancestral lands, restoring justice after years of displacement.
The transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands represents a pivotal moment in addressing historical injustices and reshaping dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. As the UK cedes control, the agreement opens a new chapter in its relationship with Mauritius, grounded in mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
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