Pope Leo XIV expressed his satisfaction over the recent UK agreement to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, hailing it as a "significant victory" for its displaced inhabitants. Addressing a group of 15 Chagos refugees at a meeting in Vatican City, he emphasized this milestone marks a crucial step toward "repairing a grave injustice" endured by the islanders since their forced exile in the 1960s.
The treaty established in May allows Mauritius to gain sovereignty over the islands while permitting continued military operations by the United States and the UK at the Diego Garcia base for 99 years. The Pope expressed hope that the Mauritian government would facilitate the return of the refugees to their homeland, voicing his concern for the rights and identities of those affected. "It is essential that powerful nations respect the rights of all people, particularly their connection to their land, and they should never be exiled," he stated in French.
Historically, the UK acquired the Chagos Islands for £3 million in 1968, with Mauritius later asserting they were coerced into surrendering them to gain independence from Britain. Subsequently, the islands were depopulated to establish a military base, leading to the displacement of many Chagossians to Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UK is set to compensate Mauritius roughly £101 million annually over the span of 99 years, while restricting development within a designated 24-mile radius surrounding Diego Garcia without UK consent. Access to the other islands of the archipelago also remains strictly to UK approval.
The deal awaits ratification by both the UK and Mauritian parliaments. As the negotiations unfolded, UK opposition leaders and some Chagossians in Britain criticized the terms, deeming the agreement detrimental to national security, as it left the UK more vulnerable to other international influences like China.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover celebrated the treaty, reflecting the sentiment of a nation long in pursuit of recognition and rights for its people. Interestingly, two women born in Diego Garcia had attempted to legally contest the arrangement but were ultimately rebuffed by the High Court.
The newfound agreement signifies hope for the Chagossians and acknowledges their historical struggles while raising ongoing discussions about national security and global geopolitical dynamics.
The treaty established in May allows Mauritius to gain sovereignty over the islands while permitting continued military operations by the United States and the UK at the Diego Garcia base for 99 years. The Pope expressed hope that the Mauritian government would facilitate the return of the refugees to their homeland, voicing his concern for the rights and identities of those affected. "It is essential that powerful nations respect the rights of all people, particularly their connection to their land, and they should never be exiled," he stated in French.
Historically, the UK acquired the Chagos Islands for £3 million in 1968, with Mauritius later asserting they were coerced into surrendering them to gain independence from Britain. Subsequently, the islands were depopulated to establish a military base, leading to the displacement of many Chagossians to Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UK is set to compensate Mauritius roughly £101 million annually over the span of 99 years, while restricting development within a designated 24-mile radius surrounding Diego Garcia without UK consent. Access to the other islands of the archipelago also remains strictly to UK approval.
The deal awaits ratification by both the UK and Mauritian parliaments. As the negotiations unfolded, UK opposition leaders and some Chagossians in Britain criticized the terms, deeming the agreement detrimental to national security, as it left the UK more vulnerable to other international influences like China.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover celebrated the treaty, reflecting the sentiment of a nation long in pursuit of recognition and rights for its people. Interestingly, two women born in Diego Garcia had attempted to legally contest the arrangement but were ultimately rebuffed by the High Court.
The newfound agreement signifies hope for the Chagossians and acknowledges their historical struggles while raising ongoing discussions about national security and global geopolitical dynamics.
