Trump approves UK decision: Chagos Islands go back to Mauritius
Chagos Archipelago: Seven atolls, 60+ islands, 500 km south of Maldives (Photo: Getty Images)
Donald Trump has approved the UK's handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, reports The Guardian.
US President Donald Trump has given the green light for the UK to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a six-month standoff over sovereignty of the UK’s last African colony.
Under the agreement, the UK will give up the Chagos Archipelago while retaining a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island, under a 99-year lease.
The decision has faced criticism from senior Republicans in the US, who questioned the rationale behind spending billions on the deal amid economic pressures.
In the UK, some government officials also raised concerns. However, a spokesperson for the prime minister confirmed on Tuesday that the agreement is being finalized: "My understanding is it’s now between us and the Mauritian government to finalize the deal, following the discussions with the US."
Security concerns and political tension
Critics of the deal argue that handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius could jeopardize the security of the military base due to Mauritius's ties with China.
However, British officials consider these concerns to be exaggerated, pointing out that India has a more significant influence in the region. Mauritius does not participate in the "Belt and Road" initiative, which underscores its distance from China.
The deal also became necessary due to international court rulings in favor of Mauritius, as legal disputes surrounding the military base could undermine its security. Additionally, criticism arose within the UK itself: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage actively lobbied against the deal, creating an awkward situation for the government.
The plan to hand over the islands was announced back in October, but Trump’s return to the White House and the change of administration in Mauritius caused delays. In February, during a visit to the White House, Trump reassured Labour leader Keir Starmer: "I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well."
Thus, the handover of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius became inevitable, despite political pressure and security concerns.
