British government returns sovereignty of Chagos, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius

An agreement has been reached between Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the sovereignty of the Chagos. The information that reached us from the United Kingdom at midday was confirmed by the Government Information Service early this afternoon.

Here are the terms of the agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom

• The United Kingdom returns sovereignty of the Chagos, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius
• For an initial period of 99 years, the United Kingdom will be allowed to continue the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia, but under Mauritian sovereign rights
• Mauritius is free to initiate the program of relocation of the Chagossians in the archipelago, except on Diego Garcia
• The agreement includes British financial support to Mauritius, including an annual payment also aimed at boosting the Mauritian economy
• Environmental protection, maritime security, the fight against illegal fishing, drugs and human trafficking are also in the terms of the agreement, including the creation of a protected Mauritian marine park
• The political agreement concluded between Mauritius and the United Kingdom has benefited from the full support and assistance of the United States and India

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Xavier-Luc Duval: “I congratulate the government for the historic agreement”

Statement by Xavier-Luc Duval, PMSD Leader

I congratulate the Government on the historic agreement reached between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Archipelago.

This agreement marks the culmination of a long struggle for the recognition of our sovereignty. It demonstrates the perseverance of Mauritian diplomacy and opens a new chapter in our relations with the United Kingdom.

We are confident that this agreement will serve the interests of all parties concerned, while respecting the territorial integrity of Mauritius.

This milestone demonstrates that with determination and dialogue, even the most complex disputes can find a favourable outcome.

Our thoughts are with all Mauritians and in particular, our Chagossian brothers and sisters, whose resilience and patience have been essential in this quest for justice.

Xavier-Luc Duval Leader of the PMSD

After a special Council of Ministers at midday, Pravind Jugnauth received Olivier Bancoult and two other members of the Chagos Refugee Group, at his office.

Negotiations between the UK and Mauritius began in November 2022. By early September, 12 rounds of talks had taken place.

The UK Labour government had appointed Jonathan Powell, Special Envoy of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to continue negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, also in early September.

In a statement issued on 6 September by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy argued that resolving this issue with a close Commonwealth partner is in the interests of both parties.

"Negotiations with Mauritius regarding BIOT/Chagos Archipelago are essential for the security of the United Kingdom. We are determined to protect the long-term, safe and effective operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia."

To continue that in close coordination with the United States, the United Kingdom will work to reach a swift negotiated agreement that protects and preserves vital security interests on Diego Garcia, respects Chagossian communities, strengthens environmental cooperation and establishes a long-term strategic partnership with Mauritius, as a close Commonwealth partner.