The dispute over Tromelin Island has been ongoing for decades, with Mauritius urging France to resolve the issue. The island, which covers about 1 sq km, is administered by France and has been a point of contention since Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Mauritius maintains that Tromelin was among the dependencies ceded with Mauritius to Britain under an 1814 treaty. The island's surrounding exclusive economic zone exceeds 280,000 sq km and contains valuable fishing grounds.
Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful recently addressed the issue at the UN General Assembly, stating that the island is an integral part of the Republic of Mauritius. He called on Paris to engage constructively toward a settlement in the spirit of friendship between the two countries. Ramful's comments come as France continues to claim sovereignty over the island, despite signing an agreement with Mauritius in 2010 to jointly manage fishing, environmental protection, and research around Tromelin.
The 2010 agreement was intended to manage the island's resources without deciding on ownership. However, France's Senate approved the deal in 2012, but the government withdrew it from a scheduled National Assembly debate in 2017 amid opposition to joint management. The agreement remains unratified, leaving the dispute unresolved. This is not France's only territorial dispute with a former African colony, as Madagascar claims four French-administered islands in the Mozambique Channel.
The dispute over Tromelin Island is also linked to other territorial disputes involving France and former African colonies. The Comoros claims Mayotte, which France governs as an overseas department. Additionally, Mauritius has a territorial dispute with Britain over the Chagos Archipelago, which was separated from British-ruled Mauritius in 1965. London has since signed a treaty to transfer sovereignty over Chagos to Mauritius, while retaining a joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
The treaty between Britain and Mauritius was signed in May 2025 and followed a 2019 International Court of Justice opinion that Britain's separation of the islands from Mauritius before independence was unlawful. However, the treaty has yet to take effect, with US President Donald Trump calling it a "terrible deal" and opposing the transfer of the strategically important islands. Britain has put the agreement on hold, citing the need for American support.
France's administration of Tromelin Island dates back to 1954, when it established a meteorological station there. Since then, the island has been a point of contention between France and Mauritius. Ramful's comments at the UN General Assembly have renewed pressure on France to resolve the dispute. The issue remains a sensitive topic, with both countries seeking a resolution that balances their interests.
The dispute over Tromelin Island highlights the complex territorial issues involving France and its former colonies. As countries continue to assert their claims, diplomatic efforts will be crucial in resolving these disputes. The international community will be watching closely as France and Mauritius engage in discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Key points
- France continues to claim sovereignty over Tromelin Island despite an agreement with Mauritius to jointly manage the island's resources.
- The dispute over Tromelin Island is linked to other territorial disputes involving France and former African colonies.
- The international community is watching closely as France and Mauritius engage in discussions to resolve the dispute.
