The Pope met with representatives of the Chagos Refugees Group in Vatican City, saying he was "delighted" by the treaty signed in May, which grants Mauritius sovereignty over the islands but allows the continuation of a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. While he hailed the potential return of refugees, concerns rose among UK opposition leaders and some living in England about the implications of the deal.
Historically, the UK acquired the Chagos Islands in 1968, after which the islands were cleared of their residents to establish the military base. Survivors of this displacement ended up in Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK. The recent treaty promises Mauritius around £101 million annually for 99 years and restricts military access to other islands in the archipelago.
Prime Minister's defense of the colonial deal emphasized national security, claiming that failure to agree could leave the UK vulnerable to foreign military threats. Mauritian officials celebrated the agreement as a resolution to decades of struggle, although legal challenges regarding the right of return for some individuals are still in play as the finalization of the treaty awaits approval from both UK and Mauritian parliaments.
Historically, the UK acquired the Chagos Islands in 1968, after which the islands were cleared of their residents to establish the military base. Survivors of this displacement ended up in Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK. The recent treaty promises Mauritius around £101 million annually for 99 years and restricts military access to other islands in the archipelago.
Prime Minister's defense of the colonial deal emphasized national security, claiming that failure to agree could leave the UK vulnerable to foreign military threats. Mauritian officials celebrated the agreement as a resolution to decades of struggle, although legal challenges regarding the right of return for some individuals are still in play as the finalization of the treaty awaits approval from both UK and Mauritian parliaments.
