Pope Leo XIV has expressed his joy over the UK's agreement to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, describing the move as a "significant victory" in the ongoing struggle of Chagossian refugees. During his meeting with a group of 15 Chagos refugees in Vatican City, the Pope emphasized the deal as a step towards rectifying what he termed a "grave injustice."
Under the treaty signed earlier this year, Mauritius will regain control of the Chagos Islands, yet provisions will allow the UK and the US to maintain their military operations on Diego Garcia, a crucial military base, for the next 99 years. The Pope urged Mauritian authorities to facilitate the return of displaced Chagossians to their homeland.
Speaking in French, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting people's rights and identities, particularly their right to reside on their own land without coercion. The islands were originally acquired by the UK for £3 million in 1968, but Mauritius contends that it was coerced into relinquishing control over them during its pursuit of independence.
The Chagossian population, many of whom were forcibly relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make way for military installations, has a long history of advocating for their rights to return. The UK government has committed to paying Mauritius approximately £101 million annually over the next 99 years as part of the agreement, which includes a protective buffer around Diego Garcia.
Political responses in the UK have been mixed; some opposition leaders and residents from the Chagos Islands have criticized the agreement. The Conservative Party contended that the deal could be detrimental to the UK’s security, arguing that it could expose the nation to foreign powers like China. In contrast, the Prime Minister insisted that the agreement is critical for national security, preventing any non-allied states from establishing military bases in the surrounding areas.
Support for the agreement has come from Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover, who declared the end of a 60-year struggle as momentous for Mauritius. However, two women born on Diego Garcia had attempted to file a legal challenge against the deal, which was ultimately dismissed by the High Court.
As the treaty awaits confirmation from the parliaments of both nations, the Pope's remarks shine a spotlight on the plight of the Chagossians, advocating for justice and reconciliation in a complex geopolitical landscape.
