Ali
Mauritius Pressures has accused the United Kingdom of stalling the Chagos handover, intensifying a decades-long sovereignty dispute over the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Officials say London’s hesitation to finalize the 2025 transfer agreement undermines trust and leaves thousands of displaced Chagossians uncertain about their future.
What Happened
The Chagos handover was outlined in a May 2025 diplomatic deal that followed years of negotiation between London and Port Louis.
The agreement, widely seen as a breakthrough, was meant to conclude Britain’s administration of the Chagos Islands and restore full sovereignty to Mauritius by the end of the year.
Six months later, Mauritian officials say progress has “virtually frozen.”
They claim the UK has repeatedly postponed technical meetings, citing security and logistical issues related to the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia — the largest island in the chain.
No formal date for the completion of the handover has been set.
Foreign Minister Alan Ganoo criticized the delays, calling them “an unacceptable breach of faith.”
“The United Kingdom continues to talk about cooperation while ignoring its own commitments,” he said.
“The Chagossians deserve action, not endless consultations.”
The UK insists discussions remain “constructive and ongoing,” emphasizing that the transition involves “sensitive defense and operational details.”
Mauritius’ Response and Growing Frustration
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has publicly condemned what he describes as “a pattern of hesitation” from the British side.
He told parliament this week that Mauritius will not tolerate “further diplomatic games” and warned that the country may raise the issue again before the United Nations General Assembly if there is no progress by early 2026.
“The Chagos handover was never meant to be symbolic,” Jugnauth said.
“It is a legal commitment recognized by international law, and Mauritius will not rest until that commitment is honored.”
Mauritius has received backing from several African and Indian Ocean states, who view the case as a test of post-colonial justice.
The African Union also reaffirmed its support, urging the UK to comply with the 2019 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion that deemed its continued control of the islands unlawful.
UK’s Position and Security Concerns
The UK Foreign Office continues to insist that it remains committed to the process.
Officials argue that discussions must carefully account for defense arrangements involving the U.S. base on Diego Garcia — a vital strategic site used for regional security and counterterrorism operations.
A British government spokesperson said in a written statement:
“We remain engaged with Mauritius to deliver a mutually beneficial outcome. The process is complex and must safeguard defense and security interests of all parties involved.”
Analysts note that while Britain has publicly endorsed the idea of a peaceful transfer, it remains cautious about any move that could disrupt defense cooperation with the United States or trigger domestic political criticism.
Global Implications
The Chagos handover debate is unfolding at a time when global conversations around sovereignty, decolonization, and maritime strategy are intensifying.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the Indian Ocean region, emphasizing cooperation on maritime security, while G20 talks earlier this year included side discussions on Indian Ocean stability.
Experts believe the delay reflects the geopolitical tug-of-war between moral responsibility and strategic necessity.
Dr. Leena Mootoosamy, an international relations scholar, told L’Express:
“Mauritius sees this as unfinished decolonization, while the UK frames it as a technical matter. The reality is that global defense politics are slowing down justice.”
Chagossians Demand Action
For the Chagossians — descendants of the islanders forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s — the Chagos handover represents the hope of finally returning home.
That hope is fading as bureaucratic delays stretch on.
Dozens of Chagossians protested outside the British High Commission in Port Louis this week, holding signs reading “Fifty Years Is Enough” and “We Want Our Islands Back.”
Community leader Eveline Lebrasse said:
“We’ve waited too long. Each delay feels like betrayal. People are tired of hearing promises that never turn into action.”
Many protesters also raised concerns about rising housing costs in Mauritius as more Chagossian families prepare for a return that remains uncertain.
Several NGOs have called for interim housing programs and relocation funding to prevent economic strain on displaced families.
Political Reactions at Home and Abroad
In Mauritius, opposition parties have accused Jugnauth’s government of being too patient with London.
Leaders from the Labour Party and L’Alliance Nationale argue that the government should take a firmer legal stance rather than relying on diplomacy.
They claim that without clear deadlines and enforcement mechanisms, the handover could “drag into another decade.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the government say confrontation could backfire by slowing cooperation with international allies.
In the UK, several Members of Parliament have also questioned the government’s slow pace.
Labour MP Clive Lewis urged ministers to “align rhetoric with action,” while others emphasized the need to respect the ICJ ruling and “close this colonial chapter with integrity.”
Some defense-oriented MPs, however, remain wary, warning that any abrupt move could “complicate defense logistics” and “weaken Western security posture in the Indo-Pacific.”
Social Media Reactions
The controversy has dominated online discussions in both countries.
Hashtags like #ChagosHandover, #Mauritius, and #DecolonisationNow trended regionally after Mauritius’ latest statements.
Human rights activists, journalists, and international observers have weighed in.
A viral post by a Mauritian journalist read:
“It’s not a handover problem. It’s a credibility problem. The UK either honors its promise or admits it’s unwilling.”
British commentators were more divided, with some supporting the call for transparency and others defending the UK’s cautious approach due to security obligations.
Social media users also highlighted the irony of Britain promoting democracy abroad while failing, in their view, to act decisively on Chagos sovereignty.
Next Steps in Negotiations
Diplomatic insiders expect new technical talks in early December 2025 to revisit the handover timeline and finalize legal documentation.
Mauritius has indicated that it will push for a written schedule and may invite UN observers to ensure accountability.
If progress remains slow, Port Louis could take the issue back to international courts or seek stronger resolutions through the African Union and Commonwealth forums.
The UK, meanwhile, is expected to propose a phased transition tied to continued defense access for the United States.
Experts believe a hybrid arrangement—granting Mauritius sovereignty while allowing Western defense operations to continue under lease—could emerge as the most realistic compromise.
