Amidst the backdrop of a contentious deal between Mauritius and the UK regarding the future of the Chagos Islands, revelations have emerged of US intervention in the ongoing negotiations. The Mauritian Prime Minister disclosed that the US will have a presence at the discussions pertaining to the fate of the strategically significant archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
The initial agreement, announced by the UK last October, outlined the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius. However, the UK intended to retain a 99-year lease on the UK-US military airbase located on the largest island, Diego Garcia. While the deal was brokered under the leadership of former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, his successor, Navin Ramgoolam, has expressed strong reservations about the terms of the agreement.
Complications have arisen, further stalling progress, as officials from the incoming administration of President Donald Trump have requested a review of the deal’s specifics. Despite receiving approval from the Biden administration, the October agreement includes provisions for the UK to make lease payments to Mauritius for the military base.
With Ramgoolam assuming office subsequent to the deal’s inception, he has voiced dissent regarding the negotiated terms, characterizing them as detrimental to Mauritius. In an effort to foster transparency and inclusivity, the Mauritian Prime Minister’s office announced via Instagram that a representative from the new US administration would participate in the negotiations, emphasizing a commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial solution.
Ramgoolam’s willingness to engage in dialogue and seek common ground was underscored by his acceptance of US involvement in the discussions. Expressing confidence in achieving a positive outcome, he conveyed openness to revisiting certain aspects of the agreement to ensure fairness and alignment with Mauritius’ interests. Notably, Ramgoolam criticized the initial deal, citing inadequate negotiation by his predecessor and highlighting concerns regarding payment terms and lease extension clauses.
Amidst uncertainties surrounding the US stance on the Chagos Islands deal, previous remarks by then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio alluded to potential geopolitical implications. Rubio had expressed apprehensions about granting control of the islands to a nation with ties to China, a perspective rooted in Mauritius’ trade relationship with the Asian superpower.
The historical context of the Chagos Islands further complicates the situation, as the UK’s acquisition of the territory from Mauritius in 1965 was followed by the forceful removal of over 1,000 inhabitants to accommodate the establishment of the Diego Garcia military base. Mauritius, having gained independence from the UK in 1968, maintains a steadfast claim over the islands, a stance reinforced by a ruling from the UN’s highest court deeming the UK’s administration of the territory as “unlawful”.
The Chagos islanders, dispersed across Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK,
