The UK recently made a significant decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, putting an end to a long-standing dispute that has lasted for years. This move will finally allow the Chagossians, who were expelled from their homes by the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, to have a right of return. The expulsion of the Chagossians has been widely regarded as a crime against humanity and a dark chapter in postwar colonialism.
However, there is an exception in this agreement for the island of Diego Garcia, which is currently home to a joint UK-US military base and will remain under UK control. The plans for this military base were the primary reason why the UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius when it granted Mauritius independence in 1968. This move resulted in the forced displacement of up to 2,000 people.
The announcement of the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius received a mixed reaction from the Chagossians, with some expressing discontent over the sovereignty being handed to Mauritius. However, Olivier Bancoult, the chair of the Chagos Refugee Group, who was deported to Mauritius at a young age, welcomed the decision as a significant milestone after years of struggle.
Bancoult mentioned that it remains unclear how many Chagossians would like to return to the islands, as many of them are currently uninhabitable. While those born on the largest island, Diego Garcia, will not be able to return, there is hope that Chagossians could be given priority for job opportunities on the islands.
The negotiations for the return of the Chagos Islands began in 2022, marking a shift in the UK’s approach after years of defying court rulings and UN resolutions calling for the return of the islands to Mauritius. The agreement is now subject to a treaty that the parties aim to finalize promptly.
Despite the positive reception from some quarters, there are concerns raised by groups like Chagossian Voices, who feel that the Chagossian community was excluded from the negotiations and that their voices were not heard. They demand full inclusion in the drafting of the treaty to ensure their interests are represented.
The UK and Mauritius governments released a joint statement affirming their commitment to addressing the wrongs of the past and supporting the welfare of the Chagossians. While the UK government secured the future of the military base, the agreement was met with criticism from some quarters, including Human Rights Watch, who emphasized the need for meaningful consultations with the Chagossians to address their rights and ensure reparations are provided.
This decision marks a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute and addressing historical injustices, but there are still challenges ahead in ensuring that the rights and welfare of the Chagossians are fully addressed in the process of returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
