British colony Chagos Archipelago transferred to Mauritius

The UK has announced that it is transferring the Chagos Archipelago, which it has held under its control for many years, to Mauritius. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey shared the details of this transfer at a press conference held in Hertfordshire.

Prime Minister Starmer stated that the agreement was necessary, noting that otherwise, Mauritius would have taken the UK to international courts and would likely have won.

Starmer said, "By accepting this agreement now on our terms, we are ensuring that the base will continue to operate for the next century and help keep us safe for future generations."

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE MILITARY BASE

The joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago, stands out as a key part of the agreement. Starmer emphasized that this base provides the UK and the US with "access to vital capabilities" and that its strategic location is extremely important. Stating that the agreement is the "only way" to protect the base on the island in the long term, Starmer said, "There is no other alternative."

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Republic of Mauritius became a colony of the Netherlands in 1598, France in 1715, and the UK in 1814. Before granting independence to Mauritius in 1968, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago and continued to keep it under its control. This step took place as a result of pressure from the United Nations.

The UK's allies, including US President Donald Trump, welcomed this agreement.

News Source: 12punto