The Chagos archipelago has seen recent developments in its long-standing dispute over sovereignty and return of its native inhabitants. After several months of uncertainty, the governments of Mauritius and the UK have announced a joint visit to the archipelago, with registration now open for interested individuals. The visit, initially announced in July, aims to allow Chagossians to reconnect with their ancestral land.
The registration process for the visit is underway, with those in Mauritius able to sign up at the Groupe Réfugiés Chagos (GRC) office in Pointe-aux-sables, while the UK government has set up an online registration system with a deadline of November 25. According to Olivier Bancoult, leader of the GRC, the response has been positive, with over 85 people registering on the first day, mostly native Chagossians.
The visit is open to all, but priority will be given to the first generation of Chagossians who were born on the islands. Bancoult emphasized that the visit is an opportunity for those who were forcibly displaced to reconnect with their homeland. The itinerary and number of participants have not been confirmed, but the registration process will help identify interested individuals and prepare for the selection of participants.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway to revive the Chagos Deal, which was put on hold after the withdrawal of US support and the change in UK government. Former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam met with new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua-et-Barbuda on November 4. The two leaders agreed to work together on a joint plan to move the process forward, with a target date of December 2026.
Andy Burnham has indicated that he intends to revisit the terms of the agreement and explore alternative solutions, citing the example of the US-Denmark agreement on Greenland. The UK government's stance on the Chagos Deal remains uncertain, but Burnham has expressed a desire to find a new formula that addresses US concerns.
Meanwhile, Misley Mandarin, a Chagossian who has been at the center of a judicial battle over his presence on the island of Peros Banhos, has vowed to resist eviction despite a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld his expulsion. Mandarin, who claims to be the "First Minister" of the Chagos, has asserted his allegiance to the UK and renounced his Mauritian citizenship.
The judicial battle is far from over, with Mandarin's lawyers planning to appeal the decision and take the case to the Privy Council. The UK government's handling of the situation has been criticized, with concerns raised about the fairness of the procedure. As the dispute over the Chagos continues, the international community remains watchful, with Mauritius affirming its sovereignty over the archipelago.
Key points
- The Mauritian and UK governments are collaborating on a visit to the Chagos archipelago for native inhabitants.
- Diplomatic efforts are underway to revive the Chagos Deal, with a target date of December 2026.
- A judicial battle continues over the presence of Misley Mandarin on the island of Peros Banhos.
