Pope Leo XIV recently expressed his approval of the UK’s agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, stating that it marks a “significant victory” for the Chagos Refugees Group. During a meeting with representatives from the group, he emphasized the importance of repairing what he referred to as a “grave injustice.”
Under a treaty signed in May, the UK is set to grant Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while permitting the US and UK to continue military operations on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. Pope Leo indicated his hope that Mauritian authorities will facilitate the return of Chagos refugees to their homeland. The deal has faced criticism, particularly from UK opposition leaders and some members of the Chagos community now residing in the UK.
In his remarks delivered in French, the Pope highlighted the renewed possibility for the refugees to return, viewing it as a positive signal on the international stage. He underscored the right of all individuals to be respected in their identity and the importance of not exiling them from their land.
The islands were claimed by the UK in 1968 for £3 million, a move that Mauritius contends was executed under duress to secure its independence. Following this, the islands were cleared to establish a military base, prompting many Chagossians to relocate to Mauritius, Seychelles, or England, particularly to Crawley.
As part of the agreement, the UK government will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million annually for 99 years. The treaty includes a 24-mile exclusion zone around Diego Garcia, restricting construction without UK approval, while limiting foreign access to other islands in the archipelago.
The treaty must be ratified by both UK and Mauritian parliaments before it can take effect. While some have welcomed the deal, others have issued concerns, including women born on Diego Garcia who filed a last-minute legal challenge, although this was dismissed by the High Court.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2p1k1r2glo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss