Pope Leo XIV has expressed his delight over the United Kingdom's recent agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, deeming it a "significant victory" for the Chagos Refugees Group. Meeting with a delegation of Chagossian refugees at the Vatican, the Pope highlighted the importance of this treaty as a long-awaited rectification of past injustices suffered by the island's indigenous people.
The treaty, finalized in May, entails the UK transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while permitting both US and UK military operations to continue on Diego Garcia, a crucial military base, for a period of 99 years. Pope Leo XIV voiced hope that Mauritian authorities would facilitate the refugees' return to their homeland. However, representatives from the UK opposition and dissident Chagossians in Britain criticized the arrangement.
During his address in French, Pope Leo emphasized the encouraging prospect for Chagossians to return to their native archipelago, stating that all individuals deserve respect for their identity and rights, particularly the right to reside on their ancestral land. The UK acquired the islands for £3 million in 1968, although Mauritius maintains it was coerced into relinquishing control for its independence from Britain. The removal of Chagossians was executed to establish a military base, with many relocating to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or settling in the UK, primarily in Crawley, West Sussex.
The UK government has committed to compensating Mauritius with an average of £101 million annually over the 99-year deal. A protective buffer zone of 24 miles around Diego Garcia will restrict construction without UK permission, while barring foreign military and civilian activities on other islands in the archipelago. The UK retains a veto over access to the islands.
The treaty awaits ratification by both UK and Mauritian parliaments before taking effect. Following the announcement, Conservative leaders described the agreement as "an act of national self-harm," arguing that it makes the UK more vulnerable to geopolitical threats, particularly from China. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asserted that the accord is critical for national security, ensuring that no other nation could establish bases near the significant Diego Garcia installation.
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover expressed elation at what he viewed as the conclusion of a 60-year struggle. Meanwhile, two women born on Diego Garcia have raised legal objections to the treaty, seeking to return home, but their challenge was ultimately dismissed by the High Court.
