Archive · 23 May 2025
UK-Mauritius Deal on Chagos Islands Raises Concerns
The UK is giving the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which they used to own.
The UK will still control a military base there for 99 years, and pay for the use of the base.
The people who were forced off the islands years ago, called Chagossians, can go back to some islands, but not the main one, Diego Garcia, where the base is.
There's also money set aside to help the Chagossians.
Some people worry this deal doesn't fully address the exile of the islanders.
The UK agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The deal includes a 99-year lease for the U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia.
Mauritius can resettle Chagossians, except on Diego Garcia.
A £40-million trust fund will be set up for the Chagossian diaspora.
Human Rights Watch says the deal may entrench the exile of Chagossians from Diego Garcia.
- Who
- The UK and Mauritius are involved in the agreement, impacting Chagossian islanders.
- What
- The UK agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of a military base.
- When
- The deal was announced on Thursday, May 22, 2025
- Where
- The Chagos Islands, specifically focusing on Diego Garcia, and Mauritius.
- Why
- The deal involves sovereignty of the Chagos Islands and the strategic importance of the U.S.-U.K. military base.
- Lease Agreement
- The UK will pay its former colony £101 million annually.
- Lease Duration
- 99 years
- Trust Fund Amount
- £40 million
- Chagossian diaspora
- Around 10,000
- Largest Island and Military Base Location
- Diego Garcia