UK Officials Consider Chagos Islands Resettlement Options After Pausing Mauritius Treaty Due to US Opposition

UK government officials are considering alternatives to the treaty with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, according to The Independent. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that plans to ratify the treaty have been paused due to opposition from the United States.

The treaty would have transferred sovereignty of the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius while allowing the UK to continue using the Diego Garcia military base.

An alternative plan under discussion involves allowing Chagossians to resettle the islands. This development follows a recent legal ruling by the British Indian Ocean Territory Court, which reportedly granted Chagossians the right of abode on the islands. The ruling reportedly addressed concerns about resettlement despite the presence of the UK-US base on Diego Garcia.

representatives for the Chagossians submitted a request to the United Nations special rapporteur, naming UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The submission argues that the treaty could lead to forced depopulation, described as a breach of human rights. This follows the UN's previous concerns over the rights of Chagossians regarding the treaty plans. The UK government is appealing the court's ruling.

The Mauritian claim to the islands was supported by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), based on Mauritius administering the islands during the British colonial period and the islands being uninhabited at the time.

The Diego Garcia base remains a key strategic asset for the UK and US. A source informed The Independent that discussions are underway to change the legal framework to allow islanders to return, indicating consideration of alternatives to the Mauritius deal.

The UK government responded to inquiries from The Independent.