US BACKS UK–MAURITIUS CHAGOS DEAL – Support comes as islanders attempt return to disputed archipelago
The United States has officially backed a plan by the United Kingdom to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategic military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The endorsement from Washington follows shifting rhetoric from Donald Trump, who previously criticised the agreement before later describing it as the best deal Britain could secure.
The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between US and Mauritian officials next week.
The development coincides with a symbolic return by four Chagossians to Ile du Coin, part of the Peros Banhos Atoll, more than 50 years after islanders were expelled to make way for the base.
The group, led by Misley Mandarin, says it intends permanent resettlement and expects hundreds more to follow. However, Mauritian attorney general Gavin Glover called the move illegal and a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has urged both governments not to ratify the deal, warning it could perpetuate historic injustices linked to the forced displacement of up to 2,000 islanders.
