The Chagos archipelago dispute between Mauritius and the UK remains unresolved. Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in London, reaffirming Port-Louis's stance on the May 2025 agreement. Ramgoolam stated that Mauritius may pursue legal action if the agreement isn't ratified within a reasonable timeframe. The meeting, attended by Lord Charles Powell, former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, lasted several hours.
Ramgoolam emphasized that international law supports Mauritius's claim to the Chagos archipelago. The agreement, signed on May 22, 2025, recognizes Mauritius's sovereignty over the archipelago, including Diego Garcia. In return, the UK will have rights and authorities to maintain the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease. However, the agreement's implementation is incomplete, and the UK's parliamentary process has stalled.
The UK's project bill, aimed at implementing the agreement, had progressed through several parliamentary stages, including the House of Lords. However, the 2024-2026 parliamentary session ended in April 2026, halting the bill's progress. The dispute has been complicated by US President Donald Trump's opposition to the agreement, citing concerns over Diego Garcia and the strategic military base.
Ramgoolam maintains that Mauritius prefers dialogue and diplomacy but reaffirms that the country's sovereignty over the Chagos is non-negotiable. He had previously expressed this stance in late September, prioritizing diplomatic channels. The time-sensitive nature of the issue is a pressing concern, with Ramgoolam urging the UK to ratify the agreement promptly.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed willingness to work with Mauritius and the US to find a resolution to the dispute. The issue has been a longstanding point of contention between the UK and Mauritius, with the latter seeking recognition of its sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. Ramgoolam's meeting with Powell aimed to revive momentum on the agreement.
The Chagos archipelago has been a sensitive topic in UK-Mauritius relations for decades. The UK's administration of the islands has been a subject of dispute, with Mauritius claiming sovereignty over the territory. The 2025 agreement aimed to resolve the issue, but its implementation has been delayed. Ramgoolam's statement highlights the growing impatience in Mauritius over the stalled process.
The situation remains uncertain, with the future of the Chagos archipelago hanging in the balance. Mauritius is prepared to explore all options, including legal action, to protect its interests. The international community is watching closely, as the dispute has implications for regional stability and the rule of law.
Key points
- Mauritius may take legal action if the UK doesn't ratify the Chagos agreement within a reasonable timeframe.
- The UK's parliamentary process for ratifying the agreement has stalled.
- The dispute has been complicated by US President Donald Trump's opposition to the agreement.
