Mauritius Prime Minister Requests Review of Chagos Islands Deal with the UK
Mauritius' newly elected Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has called for an independent review of a controversial agreement with the United Kingdom regarding the future of the Chagos Islands. The deal, which has not yet been signed, would see the UK relinquish sovereignty over the archipelago but retain a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, which houses a significant UK-US military airbase.
While Ramgoolam expressed openness to the agreement, as indicated by a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he also requested a review of the dealâs terms. The review's findings will be evaluated by Mauritiusâ cabinet. Ramgoolam, who assumed office two weeks ago, stated in parliament that he had serious reservations, especially given the agreement's controversial nature. When the deal was first proposed, both Starmer and Mauritiusâ former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed it as a âseminal momentâ in their bilateral relationship and a victory for peaceful dispute resolution and the rule of law.
However, during his election campaign, Ramgoolam and his Change coalition allies criticized the deal, calling it a âsell-outâ driven by political desperation ahead of the elections. Arvin Boolell, the new Minister of Agro-Industry and Fisheries, specifically opposed the long lease term on Diego Garcia, which he mistakenly described as 200 years, despite the official term being 99 years.
The deal has faced objections beyond Mauritius. Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trumpâs nominee for Secretary of State, warned in October that the agreement could pose a âserious threatâ to U.S. national security by granting the UK control over the islands, an ally of China. Additionally, groups representing Chagossian interests have expressed concern about being excluded from the negotiations.
Despite the criticisms, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have defended the deal, calling it a "good deal" for both countries. Lammy expressed confidence that the agreement would ultimately be viewed favorably by Mauritians across political lines.
The deal is still under negotiation, with the legal details of the treaty being finalized. It is expected to undergo further scrutiny in the UK Parliament next year before being formally signed.
