UK Transfers Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius Amid Controversy

The United Kingdom has formalized an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, concluding a longstanding territorial dispute. Under the terms of the deal, the UK will lease back Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago and site of a significant U.S.-UK military base, for an initial period of 99 years at an annual cost of £101 million.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the base's critical role in national security, stating that the agreement ensures its continued operation well into the next century. The U.S. government has expressed support for the accord, highlighting its importance for regional and global security.

However, the agreement has faced criticism from various quarters. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the deal undermines UK sovereignty and could expose the territory to influence from adversaries. Additionally, displaced Chagossians, who were removed from the islands in the 1960s and 70s to facilitate the construction of the military base, have expressed concerns about their exclusion from the negotiations and the lack of guaranteed resettlement rights.

The agreement follows years of negotiations and international pressure, including calls from the United Nations and the International Court of Justice for the UK to return the islands to Mauritius. Despite the controversy, the UK government maintains that the deal balances historical obligations with contemporary security needs.