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Mauritius Pledges to Pursue Sovereignty Over Chagos Islands After UK Delays Legislation
Mauritius stated it will use all diplomatic and legal options to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands following a delay in UK legislation. The delay stems from a lack of support from US President Donald Trump. The islands include Diego Garcia, which hosts a joint UK-US military base.
Apr 11, 3:32 PM·1m read1 source
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Dispute The UK has administered the Chagos Islands since 1814.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Britain removed up to 2,000 indigenous Chagossians to establish the Diego Garcia base. The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2019 stating that the UK's administration of the islands was unlawful. The UK confirmed that the agreement requires US backing to proceed.
A statement from the UK Prime Minister's office indicated that legislation has been suspended due to opposition from Washington. Reports state that the bill now lacks sufficient time to pass Parliament before next month's King's Speech, with no new bill scheduled.
A UK government spokesman said Britain will continue to argue to the US that the agreement best secures the base's future operations.
stated that the development was anticipated due to relations between the US President and the UK Prime Minister.
Resolution depends on an agreement between the US and UK. Talks between Mauritian representatives and UK officials are set to discuss the Chagos arrangement.
The meeting will address the path forward for the stalled agreement. The islands' location serves as a counterweight to regional influence from China.
