US Endorses UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Agreement Amidst Chagossian Protests
Published 17 February 2026
Highlights
- The US supports the UK's plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- Four Chagossians have returned to the islands, aiming to establish a permanent settlement and challenge the transfer.
- The US Department of State emphasizes the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for national security in the Indian Ocean.
- The UN has urged the UK and Mauritius to reconsider the 2025 agreement, citing potential human rights concerns.
- Talks between the US and Mauritius are scheduled in Port Louis to discuss security cooperation and implementation.
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Rewritten Article
US Endorses UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Agreement Amidst Chagossian Protests
The United States has officially endorsed the United Kingdom's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while securing a 99-year lease for the strategically significant military base on Diego Garcia. This development comes as a relief to the UK government following fluctuating opinions from former US President Donald Trump, who initially criticized the agreement before acknowledging it as the best possible outcome.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
The US Department of State reiterated its support for the agreement, highlighting the continued use of Diego Garcia as crucial for maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean. The base, jointly operated by the US and UK armed forces, is considered a pivotal asset for US national security interests.
Chagossians' Return Sparks Controversy
In a move that has added complexity to the situation, four Chagossians have returned to the islands, establishing a settlement on Île du Coin. Led by Misley Mandarin, the group aims to challenge the planned transfer to Mauritius, asserting their right to return to their ancestral homeland. Mandarin, whose father was forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s, emphasized their peaceful intentions, stating that their presence does not threaten the military base on Diego Garcia.
International and Legal Implications
The United Nations has expressed concerns over the 2025 agreement, urging both the UK and Mauritius to reconsider, citing the risk of perpetuating historical injustices. Meanwhile, the Mauritius attorney general dismissed the Chagossians' return as a publicity stunt, asserting that Mauritius will not exercise authority over the islands until the treaty is ratified.
Upcoming Talks in Mauritius
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, talks between the US and Mauritius are scheduled to take place in Port Louis. These discussions will focus on enhancing security cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement, aiming to secure long-term success for both nations.
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Scenario Analysis
The endorsement of the UK-Mauritius agreement by the US marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute over the Chagos Islands. However, the return of Chagossians to the islands introduces a new layer of complexity, potentially influencing future negotiations. If the settlement gains momentum, it could pressure both the UK and Mauritius to address the Chagossians' demands more directly.
The strategic importance of Diego Garcia remains a critical factor, with the US likely to prioritize its continued use in any future agreements. As talks proceed, the focus will be on balancing national security interests with addressing historical grievances, a challenge that will require careful diplomatic navigation.
The United States has officially endorsed the United Kingdom's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while securing a 99-year lease for the strategically significant military base on Diego Garcia. This development comes as a relief to the UK government following fluctuating opinions from former US President Donald Trump, who initially criticized the agreement before acknowledging it as the best possible outcome.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
The US Department of State reiterated its support for the agreement, highlighting the continued use of Diego Garcia as crucial for maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean. The base, jointly operated by the US and UK armed forces, is considered a pivotal asset for US national security interests.
Chagossians' Return Sparks Controversy
In a move that has added complexity to the situation, four Chagossians have returned to the islands, establishing a settlement on Île du Coin. Led by Misley Mandarin, the group aims to challenge the planned transfer to Mauritius, asserting their right to return to their ancestral homeland. Mandarin, whose father was forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s, emphasized their peaceful intentions, stating that their presence does not threaten the military base on Diego Garcia.
International and Legal Implications
The United Nations has expressed concerns over the 2025 agreement, urging both the UK and Mauritius to reconsider, citing the risk of perpetuating historical injustices. Meanwhile, the Mauritius attorney general dismissed the Chagossians' return as a publicity stunt, asserting that Mauritius will not exercise authority over the islands until the treaty is ratified.
Upcoming Talks in Mauritius
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, talks between the US and Mauritius are scheduled to take place in Port Louis. These discussions will focus on enhancing security cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement, aiming to secure long-term success for both nations.
What this might mean
The endorsement of the UK-Mauritius agreement by the US marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute over the Chagos Islands. However, the return of Chagossians to the islands introduces a new layer of complexity, potentially influencing future negotiations. If the settlement gains momentum, it could pressure both the UK and Mauritius to address the Chagossians' demands more directly.
The strategic importance of Diego Garcia remains a critical factor, with the US likely to prioritize its continued use in any future agreements. As talks proceed, the focus will be on balancing national security interests with addressing historical grievances, a challenge that will require careful diplomatic navigation.
