England Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius in Landmark Sovereignty Agreement

In a historic diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom has signed an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of a decades-long territorial dispute. The agreement follows a ruling by a London judge affirming Mauritius's legal claim over the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The decision represents a pivotal moment in post-colonial restitution and reflects growing international pressure on former colonial powers to address historic territorial grievances. The Chagos Islands, a British Overseas Territory since the 1960s, were separated from Mauritius prior to its independence in 1968. The move was long criticized by the United Nations and the African Union.

Importantly, the deal preserves strategic military interests in the region. It includes a provision that allows the continued operation of the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia—an asset central to Western defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Mauritius hailed the agreement as a victory for sovereignty, dignity, and international law. “This moment restores justice to our nation and the Chagossian people,” said Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “This agreement is a step toward reconciliation, respecting both historical rights and current security imperatives.”

The Chagossian community, many of whom were forcibly evicted in the 1960s and 70s, have welcomed the decision with cautious optimism. There are renewed calls for meaningful resettlement options and compensation.

Analysts view the agreement as a model for peaceful resolution of colonial-era disputes and a rare convergence of geopolitical pragmatism and human rights advocacy.

_Daily Growth Insights