The United Kingdom’s recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over Chagos is under renegotiation. The new Mauritian government has expressed reservations about the terms of the draft agreement with London. The Chagos Archipelago, home to the American base of Diego Garcia, was detached from Mauritius by the United Kingdom just before independence in 1968.
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With our correspondent in Port-Louis, Abdollah Earally
In Parliament, the Prime Minister declared that the political agreement does not bring the expected benefits for Mauritius. This situation has led to new negotiations between Port-Louis and London since last month. The United Kingdom sent two special envoys to Mauritius: Jonathan Powell, national security adviser, and Harriet Matthews, director general for Africa.
Two major issues are under discussion. The first concerns the sovereignty of Mauritius on the Chagos. London recognizes this sovereignty, but proposes, in the draft agreement, that Mauritius cedes for 99 years its rights over Diego Garcia, where the American base is located.
For Navin Ramgoolam’s team, this compromise poses legal problems. Because the Mauritian Constitution integrates Chagos into its territory. Additionally, in 2019, in an advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice declared the British presence on the archipelago illegal. Cede part of the territory to United Kingdom would therefore contravene this decision.
The second major issue concerns land occupancy fees. The amount and retroactivity of the rent are under negotiation.
London faces two experienced negotiators: Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, who are uncompromising on legal and sovereignty issues.
According to the Mauritian Prime Minister, London wishes finalize this agreement before the installation of Donald Trump at the White House on January 20, 2025.
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