The United Kingdom and Mauritius have signed a landmark agreement that provides for the return of the Chagos Archipelago. This ended a long-running dispute over the sovereignty of the region. This information was released this Thursday, 3rd.
This agreement allows the British to maintain a military base United States of America On Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago.
The new proposal represents a significant step forward for Mauritius, which has claimed the archipelago since its independence in 1968.
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the President of the United States, Joe BidenThe agreement was concluded. In a statement he stressed the importance of the military base for regional and global security. He described the proposal as “historic” and praised the continuity of the military establishment, considered vital to national security. The United Kingdom also values the base as a central element of its military strategy in the region.
The United Kingdom renewed the lease of the military base in 2016.
From 2016, the lease was renewed by the United Kingdom. military base In the United States by 2036. Now, with the new agreement, the British will guarantee rights to Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, ensuring the operation of the military base for a considerable period of time.
African Union Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat spoke about the agreement, calling it a “great victory” for decolonization and the right to self-determination of the people of Mauritius.
Mauritius Foreign Minister Manish Gobin expressed his happiness in a social media post. He considered October 3, 2024, “unforgettable”, as it represents his country’s full sovereignty over its territory.
Historically, the Republic of Mauritius has administered the archipelago since 1965. That year, the United Kingdom established a military base and relocated approximately 2,000 Chagos residents to Mauritius.
These men accused the British authorities of “illegal occupation”. The new treaty could facilitate the return of Chagos natives by implementing a resettlement program on the islands, except for Diego Garcia.
After two years of negotiations, both the United Kingdom and Mauritius consider this a significant moment in relations between the countries. This agreement reflects a commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the rule of law.
