UK Transfers Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Chagossians protested in London against a recent U.K.-Mauritius agreement handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, claiming they were excluded from negotiations that affect their future. The agreement allows Mauritius to resettle parts of the islands, but Diego Garcia will remain a U.S. military base for at least 99 years. Protesters argue that the British government has neglected the rights of the displaced islanders, many of whom were forcibly removed in the 1960s and 70s to facilitate U.S. military operations. The Chagossians express deep frustration over being left out of discussions regarding their homeland, asserting their identity and desire for self-determination. While the transfer marks a step in decolonization efforts, it raises concerns about the long-term fate of the Chagossian community and their connection to the islands. Critics also highlight the strategic importance of Diego Garcia in ongoing geopolitical contexts.