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In a historic and long-awaited decision, the United Kingdom has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, resolving a decades-long colonial-era dispute and responding to years of international pressure. The agreement, announced on May 22, 2025, marks a significant moment in global decolonization efforts and redefines geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean.
Background: A Disputed Legacy of Empire
The Chagos Islands, a strategic group of atolls in the central Indian Ocean, were separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence. The UK then created the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and leased the largest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States for use as a major military base.
Between 1967 and 1973, the UK forcibly removed the entire Chagossian population, sending them into exile in Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK. The displacement caused widespread suffering and sparked ongoing legal battles and human rights campaigns.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in an advisory opinion that the UK’s continued administration of the Chagos Islands was unlawful and that the territory should be returned to Mauritius “as rapidly as possible.” The United Nations General Assembly followed with a resolution supporting the ruling. Despite this, the UK had resisted compliance until now.
Details of the Sovereignty Agreement
Under the new agreement signed in London:
• Mauritius will gain full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
• The UK will retain operational control of Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease, continuing to host the joint US-UK military base.
• The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius £101 million annually for the lease of Diego Garcia, totalling over £3.4 billion during the lease period.
• The agreement explicitly prohibits any foreign military presence beyond UK and US forces and establishes a 24-nautical mile exclusion zone around Diego Garcia for security.
• The UK will create a £40 million trust fund to support Chagossian communities displaced during the 1960s and 70s.
Despite this, no formal right of return for Chagossians was included in the agreement, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and Chagossian advocacy groups.
Reactions: Celebrations, Cautions, and Criticisms
Mauritius
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth welcomed the agreement, calling it a “historic moment of justice” and a victory for international law. Mauritius has long viewed the UK’s separation of the islands as an act of colonial aggression and has led the global campaign for their return.
Chagossians
While some members of the Chagossian diaspora expressed relief at the acknowledgment of past wrongs, many are disheartened by the absence of resettlement guarantees. They argue that the agreement falls short by failing to ensure their right to return to their homeland or be compensated individually.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the deal as a balanced diplomatic solution that aligns with international law while safeguarding strategic interests. However, critics within the UK, particularly from the conservative opposition, called the agreement “a security compromise” and expressed concern about potential future geopolitical risks, especially given Mauritius’s growing ties with China.
United States
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement affirming US support for the agreement, emphasizing that Diego Garcia remains vital to US operations in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the context of growing global tensions. The continued use of the base was described as “non-negotiable” for US regional defense.
Implications and What Comes Next
The transfer of sovereignty marks a rare example of a Western nation relinquishing control over a strategic overseas territory following an international legal process. It strengthens the UN-backed international legal system and supports global decolonization efforts, which have gained momentum in recent years.
However, several challenges remain:
• Resettlement issues for the Chagossian community are unresolved.
• The arrangement raises questions about sovereignty in practice versus legal sovereignty, given the continued foreign military presence.
• The strategic importance of Diego Garcia means the region will remain in the geopolitical spotlight, particularly amid rising US-China rivalry.
In conclusion, the UK’s transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a landmark moment in addressing colonial injustices. While it marks progress for international law and diplomacy, it also leaves key human rights questions unanswered, especially for the displaced Chagossians whose voices have yet to be fully heard in this historic moment.
