Jean Claude de l'Estrac, a former minister, diplomat, and historian, has weighed in on the proposed agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Archipelago. He notes that the accord bears striking resemblance to the Greenland model, with both recognizing state sovereignty while ensuring operational freedom for the US military base. The agreement, titled "Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia," has implications for the entire archipelago, not just Diego Garcia.
Under the proposed agreement, Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is acknowledged, but with significant limitations. The exercise of sovereignty over islands other than Diego Garcia would require joint decision-making with the UK. Moreover, Mauritius would be restricted from installing third-party powers, constructing infrastructure, managing the electromagnetic spectrum, or undertaking development projects without British security clearance. The UK would also have unrestricted access to the islands.
A key difference between the Chagos accord and the Greenland model is that Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland is uncontested, whereas Mauritius is still fighting to assert its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. De l'Estrac questions what additional guarantees Mauritius could offer London and Washington, given the current circumstances. He suggests that an accord inspired by the Greenland model could grant the US extensive military rights, potentially without a fixed duration.
The proposed agreement has raised concerns about the extent of Mauritius' sovereignty over Diego Garcia. De l'Estrac notes that even if the accord is signed, Mauritius' sovereignty would be largely symbolic, with the UK and US having significant influence over the archipelago. The agreement would allow British, US, and allied vessels and aircraft unrestricted access to the islands, with the aim of securing the military base and its surroundings.
The duration of the lease is set at 99 years, with the option to extend for an additional 40 years. De l'Estrac argues that this effectively renders Mauritius' sovereignty over the archipelago symbolic, despite being a welcome and just recognition. He also notes that Washington and London's reluctance to revisit the initial agreement has limited Mauritius' diplomatic and legal options.
De l'Estrac believes that pursuing legal action against the UK is not a viable option, given that the agreement would require ratification by the British Parliament. He suggests that diplomacy and potential tripartite negotiations with the US may be the only avenues for Mauritius to assert its sovereignty and strategic interests. However, the US has historically maintained that there is nothing to negotiate with Mauritius.
De l'Estrac expresses hope that the incoming US administration, potentially under a Democratic president, may be more willing to engage in negotiations and respect international law. Historically, Democratic administrations have been more inclined to acknowledge and respect international norms. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for Mauritius' sovereignty and strategic interests in the region.
Key points
- The proposed Chagos accord mirrors the Greenland model, with both recognizing state sovereignty while ensuring operational freedom for the US military base.
- Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago would be acknowledged but with significant limitations.
- The duration of the lease is set at 99 years, with the option to extend for an additional 40 years.
