The UK has signed a deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with Britain agreeing to lease the largest island, Diego Garcia, for nearly 100 years. The agreement ensures the future of a key US military base on the island, despite concerns from some Chagossians who feel they have been ignored.
The deal marks the end of a lengthy dispute over the islands, which became a British territory in 1814 but were formally separated from Mauritius in 1965. Mauritius gained independence three years later, but its claim to the islands was upheld by international courts. In 2021, a UN maritime court rejected Britain’s claim to sovereignty.
Under the agreement, the UK will continue to lease Diego Garcia for over $100 million a year, with Britain and the US maintaining control of the key military facility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal is vital for British defense, intelligence, and national security, while Mauritius hailed it as a “great victory” for its nation.
However, some opposition politicians have criticized the agreement, saying it ignores the rights of Chagossians to self-determination. The UK government has maintained that it was essential to secure a deal with the US, which is committed to maintaining a military presence on the island.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/22/g-s1-68461/uk-chagos-islands-mauritius-diego-garcia-us-military-base