Mauritian leader Paul Bérenger has proposed a high-level meeting between Mauritius, the United Kingdom, and the United States to resolve the longstanding Chagos dispute. Bérenger, leader of the Front Militan Progresis (FMP), believes that a dialogue of this nature can lead to a solution that respects Mauritian sovereignty. He made these remarks during a press conference at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène.
The Chagos dispute centers on the archipelago's sovereignty, which Mauritius claims. An agreement signed on May 22, 2025, between Mauritius and the UK provides for the transfer of sovereignty over the entire Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. However, the agreement allows the US and UK to continue operating a military base on Diego Garcia. Bérenger emphasized that the UK has officially recognized Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos and has committed to transferring it.
Despite the 2025 agreement, the implementation is being hindered by opposition from US President Donald Trump, primarily due to military arrangements around Diego Garcia. The 1966 agreement between the UK and US established the framework for using the Chagos for defense purposes. The UK states that current arrangements for Diego Garcia will expire in 2036. Bérenger's proposal involves a high-level meeting between the three countries, followed by the creation of a working group to find a solution.
Bérenger draws inspiration from the recent agreement between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, which allows for increased US military presence in Greenland while maintaining Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic autonomy. He believes that a similar solution can be found for the Chagos dispute. The FMP leader also criticized the current Mauritian government's approach to the dossier, suggesting that they should engage in direct talks with government officials rather than advisors.
Bérenger expressed concerns about the UK's stance on the Chagos dispute, citing the exclusion of sovereignty discussions in the strategic dialogue between the UK and the Maldives. He also highlighted the supportive positions of British figures, including Jonathan Powell and David Lammy, on Mauritian sovereignty. Bérenger emphasized that a solution must be found that respects Mauritian sovereignty while addressing US concerns.
The FMP leader urged the Mauritian government not to miss this opportunity for a resolution. He proposed that a working group comprising diplomats and senior officials from the three countries could find a formula acceptable to Washington without compromising Mauritian sovereignty. Bérenger's initiative aims to break the deadlock and find a mutually beneficial solution.
The outcome of Bérenger's proposal remains uncertain, but it has sparked renewed interest in finding a solution to the longstanding Chagos dispute. The Mauritian government's response to the proposal is yet to be seen.
Key points
- - Paul Bérenger proposes high-level talks between Mauritius, UK, and US to resolve Chagos dispute - The 2025 agreement between Mauritius and UK provides for transfer of sovereignty over Chagos archipelago - Bérenger draws inspiration from US-Denmark-Greenland agreement to find a solution for Chagos dispute
