Mauritius has clarified that ongoing negotiations with Britain over the return of the Chagos Islands are not solely centered on financial compensation. The talks include critical issues like sovereignty and the lease terms for Diego Garcia, where a key UK-US military base is located.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam emphasized on Tuesday that the discussions aim to ensure that Mauritius retains sovereignty and that the tenant, referring to the UK and US, does not become the owner of Diego Garcia.
A treasury official, speaking anonymously, also refuted claims that financial compensation is the sole focus, citing inflation adjustments and lease duration as additional key factors in the negotiations.
The proposed agreement involves Britain transferring sovereignty over the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, home to a vital US military base.
Mauritius regained independence in the 1960s, but Britain retained control of the Chagos Islands and evicted thousands of residents to establish the military facility. The base has since served as a strategic hub for operations, including those in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Ramgoolam’s government aims to ensure the deal aligns with Mauritius’ sovereignty while addressing financial and lease-related concerns comprehensively.