Chagos Islands

2024 - 10 - 3

UK's Chagos Islands Could Make History - Again!

Chagos -- Diego Garcia -- Mauritius Chagos Islands - Chagossians - Colonial History - Diego Garcia - Geopolitics - Mauritius - Sovereignty - UK - US Military Base - Chagos

The UK takes a giant leap, handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius! What does this mean for the future?

In a monumental shift that marks the end of a long-standing dispute, the UK has decided to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the strategically significant Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. This decision comes after 13 rounds of negotiations, international pressure, and a desire to rectify colonial-era wrongs, making history as the UK relinquishes its last African colony. The iconic atoll of Diego Garcia, home to a critical US military base, will remain under US-UK jurisdiction for an extended period, but the move has been lauded as a step towards justice for the displaced Chagossians.

The Chagos Islands have been the epicentre of geopolitical tensions and human rights controversies for decades. The population of Chagossians, many of whom were forcibly removed to make way for military operations during the 1960s and 70s, are now being given the opportunity to return home. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK government had "inherited a situation" in which the native inhabitants were unjustly exiled, and this new treaty aims to address those historical grievances while ensuring continued military operations in the region.

However, the announcement hasn't been without its controversies. James Cleverly, who recently surged in popularity at a Tory leadership contest, expressed discontent with the deal, fearing it may jeopardize Britain's strategic advantages in the Indian Ocean. Despite the tensions, the overarching goal appears to be a long-term resolution that permits both the return of displaced persons and the security of military operations vital to both the UK and US.

As Britain's ties in the region shift, this historic agreement paves the way for a new chapter for the Chagos Islands and their people. The fascinating island of Diego Garcia is more than just a military stronghold; it's a tropical paradise filled with rich biodiversity and scenic beauty waiting to be rediscovered.

The history of the Chagos Islands is deeply intertwined with Britain's colonial legacy, and this decision to return sovereignty to Mauritius marks a step toward greater accountability. Fun fact: the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia is renowned for its stunning beaches and coral reefs, making it a potentially enticing destination for a new generation seeking adventure and connection to their heritage. Did you know that the islands were home to a diverse community of coconut plantation workers and fishermen before their displacement? This rich cultural tapestry stands to be revitalized with their return, ensuring the story of the Chagos Islands continues to evolve in exciting ways!

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

UK hands sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius (BBC News)

In a historic move, the UK gives up sovereignty of a strategic group of islands in the Indian Ocean.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Britain to return Chagos Islands to Mauritius ending years of dispute (The Guardian)

Agreement to hand back UK's last African colony follows 13 rounds of negotiations and international pressure.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

James Cleverly condemns Chagos Islands deal - despite being the ... (The Independent)

After a barnstorming conference, which catapulted Mr Cleverly to second favourite in the Tory leadership contest, the Chagos Islands news threatens to ...

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

Britain hands Chagos Islands, home of secretive US military base ... (POLITICO.eu)

Diego Garcia will remain under U.S.-U.K. jurisdiction for at least 99 years, but forcibly removed Chagossians will be helped to resettle.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

UK to hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius after ... (Sky News)

Mauritius and the UK have been in dispute over the Indian Ocean islands for the past 50 years.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

UK agrees to give sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Aljazeera.com)

The deal includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, which is used by the United States as a military base.

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

Britain could regret handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Spectator.co.uk)

Under the terms of a new treaty, there will be a 99-year-lease for Diego Garcia, the tropical atoll used by the US government as a military base. It follows two ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

UK to hand over secretive Chagos Islands to Mauritius in historic move (The Independent)

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government had “inherited a situation where the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia military base was under ...

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

UK gives Chagos islands to Mauritius to secure military base (Financial Times)

The deal over the British Indian Ocean Territory, also known as the Chagos islands, will give the UK an initial 99-year lease over Diego Garcia in return for ...

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Image courtesy of "GOV.UK"

UK and Mauritius joint statement, 3 October 2024 (GOV.UK)

The governments of the Republic of Mauritius and the UK gave a statement on the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

A timeline of the UK's history with the Chagos Islands (The Guardian)

The UK has agreed to hand the archipelago over to Mauritius after decades of diplomatic dispute.

Agreement between the Republic of Mauritius and the United ... (Department of State)

Under the terms of the new agreement, the United Kingdom will agree that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, site of a ...

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Image courtesy of "UN News"

Chagos Islands: UK's last African colony returned to Mauritius (UN News)

The United Kingdom announced on Thursday that agreement has been reached to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of dispute and ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

UK deal to hand over Chagos Islands criticised over lack of say for ... (BBC News)

Chagossians claim they were repeatedly refused the chance to take part in negotiations behind the historic deal.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

UK hands sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius (BBC News)

In a historic move, the UK gives up sovereignty of a strategic group of islands in the Indian Ocean.

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Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

UK gives sovereignty of long-contested Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Voice of America)

British foreign secretary says agreement will secure future of base at Diego Garcia, largest in chain of remote islands off tip of India.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

UK deal to hand over Chagos Islands criticised over lack of say for ... (BBC News)

Pascalina Nellan, whose grandmother was born on a key island in the region - Diego Garcia, said the deal amounted to a "backstabbing" by the UK government. Ms ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

What life is like on the Chagos Islands? British police cars, American ... (The Independent)

Sir Keir Starmer's government announces Britain will return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius - but what's it like on the the islands?

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

UK commitment to Falklands 'unwavering' despite Chagos deal ... (BBC News)

Governor Alison Blake's remarks come as Argentina vows "concrete action" to ensure the UK overseas territory is handed to Buenos Aires.

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

Handing over the Chagos Islands is a grave mistake (Spectator.co.uk)

The British government's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a profound strategic error, rooted in a misunderstanding.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Chagos Islands, British treatment and Tory rivalries (Financial Times)

Conservative leadership hopefuls attack Labour and clash over decision, though there is a historical irony in all this.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Fears raised over future of Falklands after Chagos Islands deal (The Independent)

Former Armed Forces minister Mark Francois warned the Chagos deal will embolden Argentina in its mission.

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Image courtesy of "Scottish Legal News"

UK reaches historic agreement to hand Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Scottish Legal News)

Mauritius is to assume sovereignty over the Chagos Islands following a historic deal which brings a decades-long dispute with the UK to an end.

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

US Republicans fear UK Chagos Islands deal will boost China (POLITICO.eu)

Britain insisted its U.S. allies were fully behind the move to hand control of the islands – home to a secretive military base — to Mauritius.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Why is the UK handing the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius? (Aljazeera.com)

An agreement between the UK and Mauritian governments could see thousands of exiled Chagossians resettled again. Chagos island. An aerial view of Diego Garcia, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Returning the Chagos Islands has righted a longstanding injustice (The Guardian)

Letters: A truly successful country can never rise in the future if it remains shackled by injustices from the past, writes former British high commissioner ...

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Image courtesy of "The Conversation Africa"

Freedom for Chagos islands: UK's deal with Mauritius will be a win ... (The Conversation Africa)

Britain is close to resolving its territorial dispute with Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, located in the central Indian Ocean.

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