UK Agrees to Transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius

The UK government is facing scrutiny over its recent deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control over Diego Garcia for military purposes. The new Mauritian Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has criticized the agreement, claiming it does not adequately benefit Mauritius and has submitted counter-proposals for a revised deal. This agreement, reached with the previous administration, has been described by UK officials as a strategic necessity following an International Court of Justice ruling. Despite reassurances from Downing Street that the deal remains intact, concerns linger about the potential for renegotiation amidst political changes in Mauritius and criticism from both local and international observers. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn emphasized the rights of British Chagossians in the context of the ongoing discussions. The situation remains fluid as both governments navigate the complexities of the agreement and its implications for future relations.