In the 19th century, Britain took control of the Chagos Archipelago, a group of 60 small islands in the Indian Ocean that were originally part of Mauritius, a British colony. But when Mauritius gained its independence in 1968, the Chagos Islands were not returned. Instead, Britain kept control of the islands, separating them from Mauritius. The largest of these islands, Diego Garcia, became home to a US-British military base.
For decades, Mauritius and its people have fought to get the Chagos Islands back, claiming that the islands rightfully belong to them and should have been returned when they became independent. This dispute has lasted for more than 50 years, with protests and legal battles at international courts. Even the United Nations stepped in, telling Britain to give the islands back, but Britain refused for a long time.
Finally, after years of pressure and international support, the UK has agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This historic agreement means that Mauritius will regain full control of the islands, including Diego Garcia. Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth celebrated this moment as the final step in his country’s decolonization process, meaning Mauritius is now fully free from any colonial control.
The African Union, which has backed Mauritius in its legal fight for the islands since 2018, also praised the deal. They stressed that the return of the Chagos Islands is not just about territorial claims—it’s about the right of African nations to control their own land and end colonialism once and for all.
This agreement marks a major victory for Mauritius, decolonization efforts, and international law. After more than half a century, the Chagossians and the people of Mauritius can finally reclaim what was taken from them so long ago. However, the story doesn’t end here. There are still questions about how the Chagossians, the people forcibly removed from their homes when the military base was built, will be compensated for their suffering. Some experts believe that the UK’s offer of reparations may be too little, too late, and only symbolic.
Nevertheless, this agreement is seen as a huge milestone in the fight for justice and the end of colonialism in the region. Mauritius has achieved what many thought was impossible—winning back their islands and their rightful sovereignty.
