In a significant diplomatic move, the British government has reaffirmed its commitment to returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing national security concerns linked to a critical military base on Diego Garcia. This decision comes amidst growing political scrutiny domestically, particularly after the Labour administration announced its intention to formalize the transfer in October.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that international legal rulings have cast doubt on Britain’s sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and entering a formal agreement with Mauritius is essential to ensure the operational viability of the military installation. His spokesperson highlighted that losing control of the base would jeopardize UK national security and provide an advantage to adversaries.
The spokesperson elaborated on the implications of losing access to Diego Garcia, stating, “The electromagnetic spectrum at the Diego Garcia base would not be able to continue to operate without a deal.” This spectrum is crucial for secure communications in the region, which the UK and the US currently utilize. Without legal certainty regarding the base, they risk losing access to a system governed by the International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency.
Ownership of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue since Britain retained control following Mauritius’ independence in the 1960s. The United States has leased the Diego Garcia base, which serves as a pivotal military facility in the Asia-Pacific, supporting operations during major conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The situation for the Chagos Islanders, forcibly evicted from their homeland, is precarious. Thousands of islanders have sought legal redress within British courts for compensation related to their displacement. In a landmark decision in 2019, the International Court of Justice called for the return of the archipelago to Mauritius, endorsing the islanders’ long-standing claims.
Under a recently negotiated agreement, Mauritius is poised to secure a 99-year lease of the base to the UK, with an option to extend. However, this arrangement comes at a notable financial cost, with estimates suggesting that the lease could amount to £90 million ($111 million) per year.
Both the UK and Mauritian governments have acknowledged the influence of the US administration on the final terms of this agreement. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has expressed that his country would continue to advocate for full sovereignty over the islands if Washington does not support the negotiated terms. This ongoing diplomatic engagement underscores the complexities involved in resolving long-standing territorial disputes while balancing international military commitments and local historical grievances.
