UK hands over Chagos Islands to Mauritius in landmark sovereignty deal

UK PM Keir Starmer (File photograph)

The UK has agreed to switch sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after a excessive courtroom ruling cleared the way in which for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to signal the controversial deal.The settlement ends many years of British management over the Indian Ocean archipelago, which has been on the centre of authorized and diplomatic disputes because the islands have been separated from Mauritius in 1965.A digital signing ceremony between UK and Mauritian officers had been delayed following a last-minute injunction introduced by two exiled Chagossian ladies, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who have been born on Diego Garcia. They argued that the deal was being finalised with out consulting the Chagossian group and expressed fears of discrimination and exclusion from resettlement efforts. However, Mr Justice Chamberlain dismissed their problem, saying nationwide curiosity outweighed an additional delay.Under the phrases of the deal, Mauritius will achieve sovereignty, however the UK and US will retain joint use of the strategic navy base on Diego Garcia for an preliminary interval of 99 years. The settlement is anticipated to price the UK taxpayer billions, although the federal government has not confirmed precise figures. Critics have voiced considerations about safety, citing Mauritius’s shut commerce ties with China. Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch known as it “Labour chaos,” accusing Starmer’s authorities of surrendering British territory and burdening taxpayers.A UK authorities spokesperson defended the settlement, saying it was “vital to protect British people and our national security.” Foreign Office officers had warned that any delay would hurt the UK’s standing with each Mauritius and the US.Despite the setback, Ms Pompe vowed to proceed the struggle, saying, “We’re not Mauritians. We don’t want to give up our rights.” The handover follows a 2019 advisory ruling by the International Court of Justice, endorsed by the UN, which urged the UK to return the islands and finish its colonial maintain.