Wed Apr 02 05:02:24 UTC 2025: ## UK and Mauritius Near Deal to Transfer Sovereignty of Chagos Islands

**London, April 2, 2025** – The United Kingdom and Mauritius are on the verge of finalizing a deal to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, a strategically important archipelago in the Indian Ocean that houses a major U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. The UK government confirmed Tuesday that the agreement, which includes a long-term lease of the base back to the UK, has received the approval of the U.S. administration.

The transfer ends decades of dispute, with Mauritius having long contested British control of the islands since their separation in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence. The UK’s eviction of up to 2,000 Chagossians in the 1960s and 70s to facilitate the construction of the Diego Garcia base has been a major point of contention. The UN and its top court have also urged Britain to return the islands.

While the deal has faced opposition from some within the UK and the US, including former Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the current US administration under President Trump has signaled its support. The UK will lease back the Diego Garcia base for at least 99 years.

However, concerns remain. The Chagossian islanders, many now residing in the UK, were reportedly not consulted on the agreement. A resettlement fund is planned to help displaced islanders return, excluding Diego Garcia. Two Chagossian women are challenging the deal in court, fearing further obstacles to their return once Mauritius assumes control. Details of the financial arrangements and resettlement plans remain unclear. The deal will be presented to the UK Parliament for scrutiny and ratification.

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