
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has raised concerns over the 99-year lease agreement for a U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago. His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations for Britain’s planned transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
In October, the UK agreed to cede control of the islands while retaining authority over the strategically significant base under a long-term lease. However, the deal, negotiated with Mauritius’ former government, remains unratified and has faced criticism from Ramgoolam, who returned to power following a November election.
In an interview with local newspaper L’Express, Ramgoolam called the agreement a “sell-out,” questioning the terms of the lease. He suggested the lease should be adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, and emphasized the importance of fully acknowledging Mauritius’ sovereignty over the islands.
“The issue is not just financial; it’s about our sovereignty,” Ramgoolam said, adding that the current terms grant the UK unilateral renewal rights, which he views as a key point of contention.
He also claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had pushed to finalize the agreement before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has criticized the deal, warning it could jeopardize U.S. security by handing over the archipelago to Mauritius, which he alleges has close ties with China.
Ramgoolam indicated his government is in no rush to finalize the agreement. “We are committed to safeguarding the medium and long-term interests of Mauritius, not just short-term gains,” he said.
The Chagos Islands have been a source of contention for decades. Britain forcibly removed the Chagossian population in the 1960s and 1970s to establish the military base. The displaced community has long sought the right to return to their homeland and a say in any agreements.
Some Chagossians have criticized the ongoing negotiations, saying they were excluded from the process. “We cannot endorse a deal that ignores our voices,” a representative said, pledging to protest against the agreement.
The Diego Garcia base remains vital to U.S. military operations, serving as a hub for long-range bombers and naval forces in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the geopolitical complexities of the sovereignty talks.