UK-Mauritius Negotiations Over Chagos Islands

The ongoing negotiations between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands have reached a critical juncture. Last week, Jonathan Powell, the UK Government’s chief negotiator, made an emergency trip to Mauritius. His mission was to salvage a draft deal that would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, the newly-elected government of Mauritius has rejected this draft agreement, raising questions about the future of these negotiations. Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolamed criticized the draft deal for failing to deliver the expected benefits for the nation. In response, Powell submitted an updated proposal that the Mauritian government is now considering. This proposal may include an increased financial offer to Mauritius, but speculation in the UK suggests that the deal may be dead in the water.

Growing Opposition in the UK

Since the announcement in September that negotiations had resumed, opposition to the deal has intensified in the United Kingdom. Critics argue that the agreement could open the door to Chinese interference at the U.S. naval base located on Diego Garcia. They claim that the opposition to British sovereignty in the United Nations General Assembly has been influenced by Russian and Chinese interests. This has raised concerns about the geopolitical implications of the deal, particularly regarding the strategic military presence of the United States in the region.

First Training Squadron comprising INS Tir and CGS Sarathi concluded visit to Port Louis

Moreover, there are significant concerns regarding the Chagos Islanders themselves. Many islanders fear losing their British citizenship and being transferred to Mauritius without adequate consultation. This has led to calls for a referendum among the Chagos Islanders, similar to those held for the Falkland Islanders and Gibraltarians. The islanders are also advocating for the right to reoccupy one of the outer islands in the Chagos Archipelago. They wish to maintain their British citizenship to avoid potential discriminatory treatment by Mauritian authorities. The situation remains complex, with various stakeholders voicing their opinions and concerns.

The Historical Context of Diego Garcia

The United Kingdom has maintained control over Diego Garcia within the Chagos Archipelago since 1814. Historically, the UK has resisted Mauritius’s claims that the archipelago should have been transferred to them upon gaining independence in 1968. Since 1966, the UK has leased Diego Garcia to the United States for exclusive military use. This lease is set to continue without a break clause until 2036, with an option for renewal thereafter. The U.S. has established a significant military presence on the island, including a major airfield and a naval support base capable of accommodating various naval vessels, from nuclear submarines to aircraft carriers.

The strategic importance of Diego Garcia cannot be overstated. The protected lagoon serves as an anchorage for U.S. military logistics, ready to support operations in the Middle East. The airfield on the island plays a crucial role in long-range strike and reconnaissance missions. As the negotiations continue, the geopolitical stakes remain high, with the incoming U.S. administration reportedly opposing the draft deal. There is speculation that the British government may attempt to finalize an agreement with Mauritius before the presidential inauguration on January 20. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting implications for the region and its inhabitants.