A High Court judge has temporarily halted the UK government’s talks to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following a legal challenge from two Chagossian women. This unexpected move has significant implications for the planned agreement, which would permit continued military use of the islands while addressing longstanding issues of sovereignty.
**Chagos Islands Deal Halted by Legal Challenge**
**Chagos Islands Deal Halted by Legal Challenge**
A last-minute High Court injunction stops the UK government's negotiations over the Chagos Islands with Mauritius.
In a ruling made early Thursday morning, Mr. Justice Goose granted an "interim relief" to the claimants, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who argue that their representation in the deal was inadequate. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was set to attend a virtual signing ceremony for the agreement, which would see the UK formally relinquishing control of the islands while allowing military presence on the archipelago for a 99-year period. However, the court order mandates that the UK must maintain jurisdiction over the territory until further notice.
The two Chagossian women, supported by attorney Michael Polak, criticized the government for neglecting the voices and needs of the Chagossian community in the negotiations. The High Court's ruling reflects a complex backdrop—Mauritius insists that the islands were wrongfully separated from it during the colonial period, fostering a sense of injustice among the Chagossian community.
The Attorney General of Mauritius, Gavin Glover, pointed to the importance of the ongoing legal process, refraining from commenting further until the matter is revisited by the court later in the day. Meanwhile, representatives from the Chagossian community are slated to meet with UK officials to discuss their concerns regarding sovereignty and ongoing projects affecting their lives.
The Chagos Archipelago, with Diego Garcia as its largest island, has long housed a significant US military base since the early 1970s, following the removal of thousands of its native inhabitants. While some Chagossians express a desire to return to their homeland, others focus on securing their rights in the UK, leading to a divided perspective over the islands’ future.
In light of the court's intervention, Conservative politicians have criticized the proposed deal, calling it detrimental to British interests. Negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands have already faced international scrutiny, with the United Nations supporting Mauritius' sovereignty claims. The outcome of the legal proceedings remains to be seen as the UK government prepares to address the court's ruling.
The two Chagossian women, supported by attorney Michael Polak, criticized the government for neglecting the voices and needs of the Chagossian community in the negotiations. The High Court's ruling reflects a complex backdrop—Mauritius insists that the islands were wrongfully separated from it during the colonial period, fostering a sense of injustice among the Chagossian community.
The Attorney General of Mauritius, Gavin Glover, pointed to the importance of the ongoing legal process, refraining from commenting further until the matter is revisited by the court later in the day. Meanwhile, representatives from the Chagossian community are slated to meet with UK officials to discuss their concerns regarding sovereignty and ongoing projects affecting their lives.
The Chagos Archipelago, with Diego Garcia as its largest island, has long housed a significant US military base since the early 1970s, following the removal of thousands of its native inhabitants. While some Chagossians express a desire to return to their homeland, others focus on securing their rights in the UK, leading to a divided perspective over the islands’ future.
In light of the court's intervention, Conservative politicians have criticized the proposed deal, calling it detrimental to British interests. Negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands have already faced international scrutiny, with the United Nations supporting Mauritius' sovereignty claims. The outcome of the legal proceedings remains to be seen as the UK government prepares to address the court's ruling.
