Mauritius Prime Minister Calls for Review of Chagos Deal

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has called for an independent review of a draft agreement with Britain concerning the Chagos Islands, which aims to grant Mauritius sovereignty while maintaining a 99-year lease on the U.S.-British military base at Diego Garcia. Despite British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's confidence in the deal, Ramgoolam expressed reservations, wanting more time for his cabinet to evaluate the terms. Criticism has also arisen from U.S. political figures, particularly allies of incoming President Donald Trump, who argue that the deal could pose a threat to U.S. national security by transferring a strategic base to a potentially adversarial nation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has downplayed concerns, framing the agreement as beneficial for both nations. The deal has been contentious, with displaced Chagossians claiming exclusion from negotiations, raising further doubts about its legitimacy. As scrutiny intensifies, the future of the agreement remains uncertain pending ratification from both parties.