Sir Keir Starmer is set to sign an important agreement that will transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This deal means Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the islands from the UK while allowing the US and UK to maintain a vital military base on one of the islands for 99 years. In return, Britain is expected to pay billions to Mauritius.
The signing ceremony will happen virtually and involves representatives from the Mauritian government. Originally, this transfer was announced last October after discussions with the then-leader of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth. However, after a change in leadership, new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam raised concerns about the deal, slowing progress.
Previous negotiations were also affected by the election of Donald Trump in the US, as aides needed time to review the agreement. Although some US officials, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, voiced worries about potential risks to US security due to Mauritius’s ties with China, recent indications from Trump suggest he supports the deal.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office emphasized the importance of the Diego Garcia base for national security. Meetings with the Chagossian community are also in progress, focusing on their concerns and potential involvement in future projects related to the territory.
Historically, the Chagos Archipelago was taken from Mauritius in 1965 when the country was still under British rule. Mauritius has long argued that this separation was forced upon them as part of a deal for independence in 1968. International pressure has been mounting on the UK to recognize Mauritius’s claims. Recently, various United Nations entities have sided with Mauritius in this issue.
As of late 2022, the UK was already engaged in talks about the islands’ legal status. Some critics from both the Conservative and Reform UK parties have voiced their disapproval of the Labour government’s willingness to hand over the islands. Yet, Labour asserts that solidifying the deal with Mauritius is necessary for safeguarding the military base, which is crucial for the UK’s national security.
Following the signing, MPs will get an update in the House of Commons regarding the deal’s terms, including a possible 40-year extension of the military base lease. Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the importance of the Diego Garcia base for UK security and its partnership with the US.
In the context of geopolitical shifts and rising tensions, this agreement may reshape military strategies in the Indian Ocean region. The deal’s significance extends beyond mere territorial control; it touches on crucial aspects of global security alliances and the balance of power.
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