UK Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius After Decades-Long Dispute
The United Kingdom has agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, resolving a long-standing dispute. Chagossians displaced decades ago are now granted return rights, though Diego Garcia remains under UK control. Critics stress the need for reparations and Chagossians' involvement in the treaty process.
The United Kingdom has agreed to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a protracted dispute over the last British colony in Africa.
This agreement concludes a struggle that lasted over four decades for the Chagossians, who were forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
The agreement allows Chagossians the right to return, though the key island of Diego Garcia will remain under UK control due to its strategic military importance.
Chagossians like Olivier Bancoult, who has long been an advocate for their return, see this move as recognition of past injustices.
However, the exclusion of Chagossians from negotiations has sparked criticism, and many express concerns that their rights are still not fully recognized.
The future treaty must address reparations and include Chagossians in the decision-making process.
Despite mixed reactions, this development marks a significant shift after years of UK defiance against international directives.
This agreement concludes a struggle that lasted over four decades for the Chagossians, who were forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
The agreement allows Chagossians the right to return, though the key island of Diego Garcia will remain under UK control due to its strategic military importance.
Chagossians like Olivier Bancoult, who has long been an advocate for their return, see this move as recognition of past injustices.
However, the exclusion of Chagossians from negotiations has sparked criticism, and many express concerns that their rights are still not fully recognized.
The future treaty must address reparations and include Chagossians in the decision-making process.
Despite mixed reactions, this development marks a significant shift after years of UK defiance against international directives.
