Following a long struggle, the Vatican hosted a delegation of 15 refugees from Chagos, where Pope Leo expressed his joy over the treaty signed in May. Under the agreement, Mauritius will regain sovereignty of the archipelago but will allow the US and UK to maintain military operations on Diego Garcia for the next 99 years. The Pope emphasized the importance of restoring the refugees' rights and identity, stating, “The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign."
The history of the Chagos Islands is contentious, as they were ceded to the UK in 1968 for £3 million, according to Mauritius, who contend the islands were unlawfully relinquished during their independence agreement. Subsequently, the islands were cleared for military use, causing the displacement of the Chagossian people. Many relocated to Mauritius or settled in the UK.
The new treaty includes a number of stipulations to protect Mauritian sovereignty, including a prohibition on foreign military bases apart from the current arrangements surrounding Diego Garcia, thus limiting access to the remaining islands in the region. This agreement is yet to be ratified by the parliaments of both nations.
While the treaty has gained support from Mauritian officials and advocates, it has met with criticism, particularly from some opposition leaders in the UK and Chagossians eager to return home. Concerns have also been raised about potential vulnerabilities exposed by the agreement, especially regarding regional stability in the face of growing influences such as China.
Despite the challenges, the news of this agreement brings renewed hope for Chagos Islanders, as Pope Leo XIV called for recognition of the legitimacy of their identity and rights to their homeland.
The history of the Chagos Islands is contentious, as they were ceded to the UK in 1968 for £3 million, according to Mauritius, who contend the islands were unlawfully relinquished during their independence agreement. Subsequently, the islands were cleared for military use, causing the displacement of the Chagossian people. Many relocated to Mauritius or settled in the UK.
The new treaty includes a number of stipulations to protect Mauritian sovereignty, including a prohibition on foreign military bases apart from the current arrangements surrounding Diego Garcia, thus limiting access to the remaining islands in the region. This agreement is yet to be ratified by the parliaments of both nations.
While the treaty has gained support from Mauritian officials and advocates, it has met with criticism, particularly from some opposition leaders in the UK and Chagossians eager to return home. Concerns have also been raised about potential vulnerabilities exposed by the agreement, especially regarding regional stability in the face of growing influences such as China.
Despite the challenges, the news of this agreement brings renewed hope for Chagos Islanders, as Pope Leo XIV called for recognition of the legitimacy of their identity and rights to their homeland.
