Pope Celebrates UK-Mauritius Deal Over Chagos Islands as 'Significant Victory'

Pope Leo XIV has termed the recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands a "significant victory," marking a pivotal moment for the displaced Chagossian community.

In a momentous statement, Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy over the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, labeling it a "significant victory" for the Chagossian people during a meeting with a delegation of 15 refugees at the Vatican. This agreement, rooted in a treaty signed earlier this May, allows Mauritius to reclaim sovereignty over the islands while granting the US and UK continued access to operate a military base on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.

Reflecting on the historical context, Pope Leo stated that this decision is vital for the restoration of rights to those displaced from their homeland. He urged Mauritian authorities to facilitate the return of refugees to their ancestral lands, emphasizing, “The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign.” Meanwhile, opposition leaders in the UK and members of the Chagossian community raised concerns over the deal, exemplifying the ongoing debate surrounding the legacy of the island's colonial past.

The Chagos Islands were ceded to the UK in a controversial transaction in 1968, coinciding with Mauritius's independence. This led to the forced removal of Chagossians to make room for a military installation, significantly impacting their lives and community. The recent treaty outlines a payment framework, with the UK committing an average of £101 million annually for 99 years.

The proposals include restrictions that prevent construction within a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia without UK consent, while also controlling access to the remaining islands. Critics, including Conservative Party figures, have voiced their fears about national security risks in light of the agreement, suggesting it presents vulnerabilities in the face of China’s geopolitical ambitions.

Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover celebrated the agreement as a resolution to a decades-long struggle, even as challenges from individuals seeking the right to return lingered in the courts. Although two women born on Diego Garcia attempted to contest the deal, their legal challenge was dismissed, allowing the treaty to proceed towards ratification by both parliaments.