Mauritius Critiques US-British Base Lease Terms

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has raised concerns regarding the 99-year lease on a U.S.-British military base located on Diego Garcia, amidst negotiations for the UK to cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Criticizing the agreement made by the previous government as a 'sell out', Ramgoolam emphasized the need for the lease to account for inflation and exchange rates, asserting that it must recognize Mauritius' sovereignty over the islands. His remarks come as U.S. figures like Marco Rubio express concerns that the deal threatens U.S. security interests by empowering a country seen as allied with China. Ramgoolam has vowed to prioritize long-term national interests over short-term gains, while some Chagossians have voiced their discontent with the negotiations, insisting they were not adequately involved. The agreement, which has yet to be ratified, reflects ongoing tensions over sovereignty and military strategy in the region. Ramgoolam's administration is committed to revisiting the terms to ensure they align with Mauritius' interests.