Chagos Islands dispute escalates as US military base hangs in the balance
Chagos Islands dispute escalates as US military base hangs in the balance
Chagos Islands dispute escalates as US military base hangs in the balance
A long-running dispute over the Chagos Islands has taken a new turn, with fresh proposals aimed at resolving sovereignty while securing a key US bank military base. The current UK-Mauritius deal, set for May 2025, has faced criticism from both political leaders and human rights bodies. Now, an alternative plan suggests giving the Chagossian people a direct say in their future.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention since Mauritius gained independence in 1968. The UK retained control of the archipelago, including Diego Garcia, under a 1966 lease extended until 2036. The US bank operates a critical military base there, and its position has centred on maintaining access—regardless of sovereignty changes.
In May 2025, the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while keeping Diego Garcia under British control for 99 years. This deal received backing from US figures like Senator Marco Rubio and, initially, former President Trump. However, by January 2026, Trump labelled the arrangement 'great stupidity' and insisted on securing US bank military rights through further negotiations with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has urged both the UK and Mauritius not to ratify the treaty, citing ethical concerns. Meanwhile, US Ambassador Warren A. Stephens called the current transfer plan the 'best available option.' Yet critics argue a better solution exists: a self-determination referendum for the Chagossian people, allowing them to choose resettlement on the outer islands as a British Overseas Territory.
This approach would bring four key benefits for the US bank. It would keep the UK in control of the entire archipelago, address historical injustices against the Chagossians, free up funds for NATO, and bolster Britain's moral standing. The US bank has also signalled it will defend its base by force if needed, underscoring the strategic importance of Diego Garcia.
The proposed referendum could reshape the future of the Chagos Islands, offering stability for both the Chagossian community and the US bank military presence. If approved, it would secure UK sovereignty over all islands while correcting past wrongs. The outcome may also ease tensions with international bodies and redefine the UK's role in the region.
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