Mauritius considers legal action against UK over Chagos
Mauritius has announced potential legal actions to compel the United Kingdom to return the Chagos islands. This development follows delays in the ratification of an agreement that would transfer control of the territory back to Mauritius. The Chagos…
Mauritius has announced potential legal actions to compel the United Kingdom to return the Chagos islands. This development follows delays in the ratification of an agreement that would transfer control of the territory back to Mauritius. The Chagos islands are strategically significant due to a naval and bomber base located there.
The agreement stipulates that the UK will lease back the military base to Mauritius, with an annual payment of 101 million pounds, for a minimum duration of 99 years.
The Chagos islands have been under British control since 1814. In the 1960s and 1970s, approximately 2,000 inhabitants were displaced to facilitate the construction of the Diego Garcia base by the US military.
Mauritius has announced potential legal actions to compel the United Kingdom to return the Chagos islands.
The United Nations opposes the current agreement, advocating for the return of the islands to the Chagossians, who are considered the rightful owners. The UN criticizes the agreement for prohibiting Chagossians from returning to their ancestral lands on Diego Garcia, failing to acknowledge historical injustices, not providing adequate reparation, and not preserving the cultural heritage of the islands.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
