Thu Feb 05 21:40:54 UTC 2026: # Trump Signals Apparent Shift, Supports Starmer’s Chagos Islands Deal

The Story:
Former United States President Donald Trump appears to have reversed his earlier stance, now signaling support for the agreement brokered by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This comes just weeks after Trump labeled the UK’s decision to cede control of the archipelago, home to the strategic Diego Garcia military base, an “act of great stupidity.” While seemingly endorsing the deal after productive talks with Starmer, Trump also asserted the US would maintain the right to “militarily secure and reinforce” its presence on Diego Garcia if threatened.

Key Points:

  • Donald Trump previously called the UK’s decision to cede the Chagos Islands an “act of great stupidity.”
  • Trump now appears to endorse the deal after talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • The agreement between the UK and Mauritius would grant full sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
  • The US retains the right to militarily secure and reinforce its presence on Diego Garcia.
  • The deal ensures the US military base on Diego Garcia can operate for the next 99 years.
  • The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814.
  • Between the 1960s and 1970s, the UK forcibly evicted nearly 2,000 Chagossians from their homeland.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump’s apparent shift in stance suggests a possible compromise or reassessment of the strategic value of the Chagos Islands and the Diego Garcia base.
  • The US prioritizes maintaining its military presence and operational capabilities on Diego Garcia, regardless of the islands’ sovereignty.
  • The deal highlights the ongoing complexities and sensitivities surrounding the legacy of colonial displacement and the geopolitical significance of strategic island territories.
  • The Chagossians’ long-standing campaign for the right to return to their ancestral lands remains a critical aspect of this issue.
  • The agreement underscores the close security relationship between the US and the UK, ensuring continued collaboration in the region.

Impact Analysis:

The agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while guaranteeing the US military base’s continued operation for 99 years has several long-term implications:

  • Geopolitical Stability: The agreement aims to provide a framework for continued stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, vital for trade routes and military presence. The explicit right of the US to reinforce its presence, however, could be viewed as a potential source of tension depending on how it is exercised.
  • International Law and Colonial Legacy: The Chagos Islands issue represents a complex case study in international law, self-determination, and the legacy of colonialism. The agreement might set a precedent for addressing similar historical injustices related to disputed territories and displaced populations.
  • Chagossian Rights: The agreement does little to address the rights of the displaced Chagossian population, who were forcibly removed from their homes. Unless specific provisions are made for their return and reparations, the deal will continue to be a point of contention for human rights advocates and international bodies.
  • US-UK Relations: The successful negotiation and apparent endorsement by both Trump and Starmer underscores the enduring strategic alliance between the US and the UK, highlighting their shared interests in maintaining a strong military presence in the Indian Ocean.
  • Future Negotiations: While the current agreement extends for 99 years, future administrations in both the US and the UK, as well as the government of Mauritius, will need to periodically reassess the terms of the agreement, taking into account evolving geopolitical realities and the needs and aspirations of the Chagossian people.

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