UK-Mauritius Chagos sovereignty deal stalls amid fears of further delays
Summary
A treaty signed by the UK and Mauritius in May 2025 to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritian control and allow Chagossians to resettle has been delayed. Opposition from US President Donald Trump and UK legislative setbacks have stopped the agreement from taking effect, causing concern among displaced Chagossians about their future.Key Facts
- The Chagos archipelago was separated from Mauritius by Britain in 1965.
- Britain forced 1,400 to 1,700 Chagossians off the islands between 1968 and 1973.
- The UK and Mauritius signed a treaty in May 2025 for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the islands except Diego Garcia, which remains a military base.
- The treaty would allow Chagossians to return to islands other than Diego Garcia.
- The UK has not finalized the law needed for the treaty to take effect due to delays in Parliament.
- President Donald Trump criticized the treaty and expressed concerns about protecting the military base.
- Mauritian and UK leaders have held talks to try to move forward while safeguarding security interests.
- Many Chagossians are elderly, raising worries they may not live to see the treaty's promises fulfilled, and cultural traditions are at risk due to displacement.
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