The United Kingdom has halted its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move largely attributed to opposition from the United States, particularly former President Donald Trump. The deal, which aimed to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute and ensure the continued operation of the vital U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, now faces an uncertain future.
The Chagos Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, have been under British control since the early 19th century. In 1965, the islands were separated from Mauritius, which was then a British colony. Following Mauritius’s independence in 1968, the Chagos Islands remained a British territory, known as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
This arrangement led to the forced removal of the islands’ inhabitants, the Chagossians, to make way for the establishment of a joint U.S.-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island. The base has since become a crucial strategic asset for the United States, playing a significant role in military operations across the Middle East and Asia.
Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the territory, and in 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK should return the islands to Mauritius. Despite this non-binding ruling, international pressure mounted on the UK to comply.
The proposed deal between the UK and Mauritius aimed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Under the agreement, the UK would pay Mauritius approximately £101 million ($136 million) annually for a 99-year lease, ensuring continued access and operational security for the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. Initially, the U.S. administration had supported this agreement.
However, former President Donald Trump later voiced strong opposition, calling the deal an “act of great stupidity” and urging the UK not to give away Diego Garcia. His criticism intensified, particularly during periods of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, where he suggested the base’s strategic importance could be leveraged.
In light of Trump’s persistent criticism and the lack of formal U.S. confirmation, the UK government has decided to pause the handover. A spokesperson stated that while the agreement is still considered the best way to protect the base’s long-term future, proceeding without U.S. support is not feasible. The government also cited a lack of time to pass the necessary legislation within the current parliamentary session, with the bill not expected to be included in the upcoming King’s Speech.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a pragmatic response to U.S. opposition, others, including Chagossian advocates, view it as a setback for justice and resettlement efforts. The future of the Chagos Islands and the Diego Garcia base remains a complex issue, contingent on future diplomatic engagements between the UK, the U.S., and Mauritius.