Pope Praises UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal as "Significant Victory"

Pope Leo XIV has lauded the recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands as a "significant victory" for Chagossians, who were forcibly displaced from their homes decades ago. The Pope's comments come after a meeting with a delegation of Chagos refugees at the Vatican.

Under the terms of the agreement, signed in May, Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the archipelago, while the UK and the US will retain the right to operate a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island, for at least 99 years. The Pope expressed hope that Mauritian authorities would prioritize the return of Chagossians to their homeland.

A Long-Fought Battle for Justice

Speaking in French, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of all people, particularly the right to live on their land. "The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign and a powerful symbol on the international stage," he said, adding that no one should be forced into exile.

The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius for decades. The UK purchased the islands in 1968 for £3 million, but Mauritius maintains that it was coerced into relinquishing them as a condition of its independence. Between 1968 and 1973, the islands were depopulated to make way for the US military base on Diego Garcia, with Chagossians relocated to Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK.

Details of the UK-Mauritius Agreement

The agreement stipulates that the UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for 99 years. A 24-mile buffer zone will be established around Diego Garcia, requiring UK consent for any construction. The UK also retains the power to veto access to the other islands in the archipelago, preventing foreign military and civilian forces from establishing a presence.

The treaty requires ratification by both the UK and Mauritian parliaments before it comes into effect.

Political Reactions and Concerns

While the agreement has been welcomed by some, it has also faced criticism. Within the UK, some opposition leaders have voiced concerns about the potential impact on national security. During initial discussions, some Conservatives described the deal as an act of "national self-harm," arguing that it could expose the UK to increased influence from countries like China, given its ties with Mauritius.

However, proponents of the deal, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have argued that it is essential for maintaining the UK's national security interests. Sir Keir has stated that without the agreement, the UK would be unable to prevent other nations from establishing bases or conducting military exercises in the region.

Mauritian Perspective

Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover hailed the agreement as the end of a "60-year struggle" for his country. However, legal challenges were mounted in May by two Chagossian women born on Diego Garcia, who sought to challenge the deal. The High Court ultimately dismissed their challenge.

Expert Analysis: A Step Towards Justice, But Challenges Remain

According to Dr. Sandra Barnes, a specialist in post-colonial studies at the University of Cape Town, the agreement represents a significant, albeit incomplete, step towards justice for the Chagossians. "While the return of sovereignty to Mauritius is a positive development, the continued presence of the US military base raises questions about true autonomy and the extent to which Chagossians will genuinely be able to rebuild their lives on the islands," she notes. "The long-term implications for the region's geopolitical landscape also need careful consideration."

Furthermore, Dr. Barnes emphasizes the need for comprehensive reparations and support for Chagossians, including those who have settled in the UK and elsewhere. "The historical trauma of forced displacement cannot be erased, but meaningful restorative justice measures can help to address the lasting impact of this injustice."

Historical Context: A Legacy of Colonialism

The Chagos Islands dispute is rooted in the legacy of British colonialism in the Indian Ocean. The detachment of the archipelago from Mauritius in 1965, prior to Mauritian independence, remains a contentious issue. The subsequent displacement of the Chagossian population to facilitate the establishment of the US military base on Diego Garcia has been widely condemned as a violation of human rights.

The current agreement marks a new chapter in this complex history, but the challenges of ensuring justice and reconciliation for the Chagossian people remain significant.