What to know about the Chagos Islands as Trump slams the UK's sovereignty deal
## Overview of the Chagos Islands Agreement
Overview of the Chagos Islands Agreement
The Chagos Islands, a strategic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, are the subject of a recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. This agreement concerns the transfer of sovereignty over the islands, which currently host a significant U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Strategic Importance of the Chagos Islands
The Chagos Islands comprise over 60 islands located in the Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives. Under British control since 1814, the islands are key due to their military base on Diego Garcia, used by the U.S. for operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa, and previously for clandestine activities.
Background on Sovereignty and Displacement
In the 1960s and 1970s, the U.K. evicted approximately 2,000 inhabitants to establish the U.S. base. This action has been criticized for displacing the local population. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice have called for the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius, highlighting the colonial nature of British administration.
Negotiations for transferring the islands began in 2022, with the agreement finalized in May 2025. As part of the agreement, the U.K. will lease Diego Garcia back from Mauritius for a minimum of 99 years. This arrangement aims to protect the security interests of the Diego Garcia base.
The Chagos Islands, a strategic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, are the subject of a recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius.
The agreement has faced opposition within the U.K., with concerns about potential interference from other global powers. Critics argue that this move may compromise U.K. security. The agreement's implications have also provoked commentary regarding its impact on international relations.
An estimated 10,000 displaced Chagossians and their descendants reside in various countries, primarily the U.K., Mauritius, and the Seychelles. The agreement includes provisions for a resettlement fund to assist displaced individuals in returning, excluding Diego Garcia, though specifics remain unclear.
Some Chagossians have challenged the agreement legally, expressing concerns that their return might become even more difficult once Mauritius assumes control.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
