Mauritius’ newly elected Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has requested an independent review of the landmark Chagos Islands agreement with the United Kingdom regarding the future of the archipelago. The proposed deal, which has yet to be finalized, involves the UK relinquishing sovereignty over the archipelago while maintaining a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia—a critical UK-US military base.
The agreement, described as a historic step forward, has drawn both praise and criticism. When it was first announced, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth hailed the deal as a “seminal moment” that underscored their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to international law.
However, Ramgoolam, who secured the prime ministership just two weeks ago, has raised concerns. Speaking before the Mauritian parliament, he emphasized the need for an independent review of the deal. He assured that the findings would be carefully considered by his cabinet before any further action.
During his election campaign, Ramgoolam and his allies in the Change coalition heavily criticized the agreement. They argued it was a “sell-out” crafted out of desperation ahead of the recent vote.
Arvin Boolell, the newly appointed Minister of Agro-Industry and Fisheries, was particularly vocal in his disapproval. He accused the former administration of conceding too much to the UK by allowing a lengthy lease on Diego Garcia. While official reports state the lease would last 99 years, Boolell claimed it could extend to 200 years.
The controversy isn’t confined to Mauritius. Marco Rubio, set to become the US Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump, expressed his opposition to the deal in October. Rubio warned that transferring control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius—an ally of China—posed a “serious threat” to US national security. Diego Garcia serves as a pivotal military hub for UK-US operations, making its status a matter of international strategic interest.
Chagossian advocacy groups have also voiced dissatisfaction with the agreement. Representatives argue that they were excluded from the negotiation process, despite the significant implications for their community.
UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have stood by the agreement. Lammy expressed confidence that the deal represents a win for Mauritius, describing it as beneficial in a “cross-party sense.”
Despite these reassurances, the deal remains incomplete. The treaty’s legal framework is still under development and will require scrutiny from the UK Parliament before it can be ratified.
Ramgoolam’s call for a review reflects his government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in decision-making. As the independent review gets underway, both sides await its findings, which could influence the treaty’s final terms.
While the deal aims to resolve a long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, its critics suggest there is still room for negotiation to ensure the best outcomes for all parties involved, including the Chagossians.
The Chagos Islands agreement represents a pivotal moment in UK-Mauritius relations. While some see it as a diplomatic breakthrough, others remain cautious, questioning its long-term implications for national sovereignty, military strategy, and community representation. As the treaty moves toward finalization, the independent review will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
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