UK High Court Blocks Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer to Mauritius

A High Court judge in London has issued an injunction blocking the UK government from finalizing its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, halting the deal hours before a scheduled signing ceremony. The injunction was granted after legal action by two British nationals born on Diego Garcia, Bertrice Pompe and Bernadette Dugasse, who argue that the deal excludes Chagossian voices and fails to consider their rights. The agreement would have seen Britain cede sovereignty over the islands while leasing the strategically important Diego Garcia military base to the UK and US for 99 years, with an estimated multi-billion-dollar financial commitment to Mauritius. The UK government maintains that the deal is necessary for national security and the protection of British interests, though it has declined to comment on ongoing legal proceedings or disclose full financial details. The case highlights longstanding disputes over the displacement of Chagossians and the lack of consultation with island residents, raising political and ethical concerns amid broader geopolitical implications. The court is scheduled to hear the case again, prolonging uncertainty over the future status of the territory and its inhabitants.