Historic Agreement: Chagos Archipelago to be Transferred to Mauritius
On Thursday, the United Kingdom and Mauritius announced a significant agreement that will see the Chagos Archipelago transferred to Mauritius, bringing an end to a long-standing territorial dispute. The archipelago, which has been part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) since its separation from Mauritius in 1965, has been at the heart of claims of sovereignty from Mauritius since it gained independence in 1968.
The Chagos Archipelago comprises around sixty mostly uninhabited islands, with Diego Garcia Atoll being the largest and most notable. The atoll is strategically important for both the UK and the US, as it houses a large military base that has been operational for decades. This military base has turned the islands into one of the world’s most secretive places, with access limited to military personnel and authorized staff, effectively shutting out civilian populations and the media.
The recent agreement allows for the transfer of the archipelago back to Mauritius, marking a historic turning point in the relationship between the two nations. While the transfer is confirmed, the agreement specifies that the military base on Diego Garcia Atoll will remain operational, with initial management falling under the United Kingdom's oversight in collaboration with the United States.
Details regarding the management of the base and the broader implications of this transfer are yet to be fully defined, and a treaty formalizing the agreement is expected to be finalized soon. This development is particularly significant, as it acknowledges the long-held claims of Mauritius while also addressing the strategic interests of the UK and US in the region.
This announcement is a crucial step towards a resolution of the contentious history surrounding the Chagos Archipelago and signifies a move towards the restoration of sovereignty for Mauritius, an action that activists and the Mauritius government have been campaigning for over the years.
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