Mauritius Demands More for Chagos Islands Deal

Mauritius's new government is delaying a sovereignty deal with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands, citing financial disagreements as the primary obstacle. Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger emphasized that while Mauritius is in need of funds, it will not accept terms that compromise its sovereignty. The original agreement, reached in October, stipulated that the UK would return sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia military base, but the new administration seeks increased financial compensation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pressured Mauritius to finalize the treaty before Donald Trump assumes the presidency, as the deal faces scrutiny regarding its implications for US security. Both the UK and Mauritius have expressed a commitment to resolving the impasse quickly, but the Mauritian leadership has underscored the importance of acceptable financial terms before proceeding. Critics have labeled the proposed deal a failure of statecraft, emphasizing the need for greater clarity on financial commitments from the UK.