The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with the Pope highlighting this moment as a significant milestone in rectifying historical injustices faced by Chagossians.
Chagos Islands Transfer: Pope Celebrates Historic Deal
Chagos Islands Transfer: Pope Celebrates Historic Deal
The Pope lauds the recent agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a victory for justice.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy over the UK’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius during a meeting with members of the Chagos Refugees Group in Vatican City. He characterized the agreement as a "significant victory" for those affected by the historical displacement and underlined the importance of enabling the refugees to return to their homeland.
Under the terms of a treaty finalized in May, the UK will cede sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius while allowing continued military operations by the US and UK on Diego Garcia, the largest island, for 99 years. The Pope emphasized that this renewed hope for the Chagossians is vital, as displacement often leads to the erasure of identity and culture. He called for respect for the rights of all individuals, especially the displaced.
Historically, the UK acquired the islands in 1968 for £3 million, which Mauritius claims was under duress in exchange for its independence. The residents were forcibly removed to make way for a military base, prompting many to relocate to Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK. The recent treaty also includes a financial agreement wherein the UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for the next 99 years.
Moreover, the deal establishes a protective buffer around Diego Garcia where no constructions can occur without UK approval, and ensures access to the other islands remains controlled by the UK. The treaty requires ratification by both the UK and Mauritian parliaments.
The political climate surrounding the deal has been mixed. UK opposition leaders have criticized the decision, viewing it as compromising national security by inadvertently strengthening ties with Mauritius in a geopolitical context involving China. However, the Mauritian government has hailed the agreement as the culmination of a long struggle, a sentiment echoed by their Attorney General.
Despite the optimism, legal challenges persist from individuals born in Diego Garcia wishing to return, although a recent court ruling dismissed their claims, further complicating the situation for current and future residents.
Overall, while the treaty signifies a step towards justice for the Chagossians, significant hurdles remain in ensuring their rights and the fulfillment of their hope to return home.
