The idea of drawing inspiration from the agreement between the US, Denmark, and Greenland to resolve the Chagos dispute has been proposed by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This development comes as the ratification of the treaty between Mauritius and the UK, signed on May 22, 2025, remains suspended by London due to lack of US support. The treaty aims to recognize Mauritius' sovereignty over the archipelago while allowing the UK and US to maintain military operations at Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
The agreement between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, signed on September 22, 2026, allows the US to expand its military presence on the strategic Arctic territory without requiring a transfer of sovereignty from Denmark. In contrast, the Chagos dispute involves a different situation, with Mauritius claiming sovereignty over the archipelago, which was detached from Mauritius in 1965 before its independence. The International Court of Justice has ruled that the detachment was illegal and that the UK should terminate its administration.
A key difference between the Greenland and Chagos situations is that the former does not involve a dispute over sovereignty, whereas the latter does. The UK's administration of the Chagos has been deemed illegitimate by the international community, and Mauritius has consistently claimed sovereignty over the archipelago. Any solution to the dispute must take into account the rights and interests of all parties involved, including Mauritius, the UK, and the US.
According to a source close to the Chagos dossier, transposing the Greenland model to the Chagos situation would require determining who would play the role of Denmark. If it were the UK, this would imply maintaining British sovereignty over the archipelago, contradicting international law and Mauritius' position. If it were Mauritius, the model would not offer anything fundamentally new, as it would replicate the structure of the 2025 treaty.
The 2025 treaty already recognizes Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos, including Diego Garcia, and allows the UK to exercise necessary rights for the functioning of the military base. The treaty also provides for guarantees on military operations, including a 24-nautical-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia and the prohibition of foreign security forces on other islands.
The main issue pending is the potential for additional military guarantees that the US might request, such as enhanced rights for the use and modernization of the base and restrictions on military activities by foreign powers in the archipelago. A tripartite agreement involving Mauritius, the UK, and the US could provide a possible solution, allowing Washington to participate directly in the negotiations.
The situation in Chagos remains complex, with multiple stakeholders and competing interests involved. While the Greenland model may offer some inspiration, it is crucial to consider the unique aspects of the Chagos dispute and the positions of all parties involved. Ultimately, a solution that respects international law and the sovereignty of Mauritius is essential to resolving the dispute.
Key points
- The Greenland model may not be directly applicable to the Chagos dispute due to differences in sovereignty and historical context.
- The 2025 treaty between Mauritius and the UK recognizes Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos and provides for military cooperation with the UK and US.
- A tripartite agreement involving Mauritius, the UK, and the US could provide a possible solution to the Chagos dispute.
