About our Chagos Islands news
Latest news on Chagos Islands, providing comprehensive coverage of sovereignty dispute, UK-Mauritius negotiations, Diego Garcia military base, Chagossian resettlement, and Indian Ocean geopolitics.
The Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, has been at the centre of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. The islands, which include the strategically important Diego Garcia atoll, home to a major US military base, were separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965, three years before Mauritian independence.
In a historic development on 3 October 2024, the UK announced it had reached a political agreement with Mauritius to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, subject to finalisation of a treaty. This follows years of international pressure, including a 2019 non-binding ruling by the International Court of Justice that the UK should end its administration of the islands. The agreement aims to resolve long-standing issues while ensuring the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base for at least 99 years.
A key aspect of the negotiations has been addressing the plight of the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands between 1967 and 1973 to make way for the US base. The new agreement includes provisions for a resettlement programme on islands other than Diego Garcia, as well as the establishment of a trust fund to benefit the Chagossian community. This development marks a potential turning point for the displaced islanders, who have long campaigned for their right to return home.
The Chagos Islands have a rich history dating back to their first settlement in the late 18th century. Initially under French control as part of Mauritius, they passed to British rule in 1814. The archipelago's strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it a focal point of geopolitical interest, particularly since the establishment of the US military base on Diego Garcia in the 1970s.
The NewsNow feed on the Chagos Islands provides up-to-date coverage of this complex and evolving situation. From diplomatic negotiations and legal challenges to environmental concerns and the human stories of the Chagossian people, our feed offers comprehensive insights into this important Indian Ocean territory. Stay informed about the latest developments in this critical region, where issues of sovereignty, human rights, and global security intersect.