After years of discussions, a historic agreement has been achieved that will see the UK turn over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
This includes the US government’s use of the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia as a military base for its long-range bomber planes and navy ships.
The announcement puts an end to decades of frequently contentious discussions between the two countries over the islands. The prime ministers of Britain and Mauritius made the news in a joint statement on Thursday.
Diego Garcia will continue to be the US-UK base, which is essential for the agreement to proceed at this critical juncture.\The treaty still needs to be finalized, but all parties have promised to work rapidly to get this done.
The statement from the prime ministers of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, and the United Kingdom read, “After two years of negotiation, this is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes.”
In addition, the leaders vowed “to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security.”
The treaty will “address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians,” according to statements made by both sides.
