The government of Mauritius is exploring the possibility of pursuing legal action against the United Kingdom over the hold-up in finalizing a deal to regain control of the Chagos Islands.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has accused the UK government of deliberately prolonging the ratification process concerning an agreement that seeks to return these strategically important islands to Mauritian governance.
The proposed accord suggests that the UK would continue to utilize the military facility on Diego Garcia by leasing it from Mauritius for a minimum of 99 years, with an annual payment of £101 million. This base, which supports significant naval and bombing operations for the United States military, is regarded as a critical strategic asset in the Indian Ocean region.
The UK has maintained authority over the islands since 1814, but the situation remains contentious due to the forced displacement of around 2,000 local islanders in the 1960s and 1970s, who were relocated to establish the military base.
The United Nations has voiced objections to the proposal, emphasizing that sovereignty should be restored directly to the Chagossian people rather than to the government of Mauritius. The UN also contends that the agreement fails to address past wrongs or provide adequate reparations, and it does not facilitate the return of displaced islanders to their homeland on Diego Garcia.
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