UK and Mauritius sign deal on Chagos Islands following court ruling

The United Kingdom and Mauritius have signed an agreement for the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The islands have been under British rule since 1814. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a joint US-UK military base.

For the construction of the base, the entire population of the islands was displaced in the past. Around 1,500 inhabitants were forcibly relocated to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the UK.

The signing of the deal was delayed today due to a last-minute court order blocking the transfer. However, another judge overturned the block, allowing the agreement to proceed. The judge stated that blocking the deal would 'significantly harm' UK interests.

UK Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the urgency of signing the deal, citing concerns about the security of the military base. He also criticized opponents of the transfer, accusing them of aligning with the interests of countries like Russia, China, and Iran.

As part of the deal, the original inhabitants of the islands—except those from Diego Garcia—are allowed to return. The UK will lease the military base for another 99 years, preventing former residents of Diego Garcia from returning.

Two Chagossian women attempted to halt the deal, arguing that the original inhabitants were not adequately consulted. They expressed disappointment after the court ruling, stating they did not want their rights transferred to Mauritius.