https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241005/british-government-has-been-misleading-people-activist-comments-on-returning-chagos-islands-1068559918.html
'British government has been misleading people', activist comments on returning Chagos Islands
'British government has been misleading people', activist comments on returning Chagos Islands
Sputnik Africa
The Chagos Archipelago, originally part of the British colony of Mauritius, was seized by Britain in the 19th century. Despite Mauritius gaining independence... 05.10.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-10-05T16:46+0200
2024-10-05T16:46+0200
2024-10-05T16:46+0200
international
politics
united kingdom (uk)
chagos islands
mauritius
east africa
sovereignty
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britain
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The UK's decision to grant full sovereignty to Mauritius has been passed through the International Court of Justice, Louis Olivier Bancoult, President of the Chagos Refugees Group, main organization based in Mauritius representing the Chagossian community, told Sputnik Africa.Bancoult emphasized that the UK's actions violated the UN Charter and led to years of injustice for the Chagossian community.Louis Bancoult also criticized the UK government for presenting itself as a champion of human rights while enacting such injustice towards the Chagossian people, noting that its government has been misleading people.Bancoult also praised the UK-Mauritius agreement as a positive example for the world. He emphasized that both sides chose the dialogue and a peaceful solution, rather than resorting to violence. This historic decision, he said, will finally end the Chagossian people's suffering and should serve as a model for resolving other conflicts where people are denied the right to return home.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241004/mauritius-claims-full-sovereignty-over-chagos-islands-after-uk-decision-1068541615.html
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international, politics, united kingdom (uk), chagos islands, mauritius, east africa, sovereignty, united states (us), britain, international court of justice (icj), sputnik africa, united nations (un)
'British government has been misleading people', activist comments on returning Chagos Islands
Ekaterina Shilova
Writer / Editor
The Chagos Archipelago, originally part of the British colony of Mauritius, was seized by Britain in the 19th century. Despite Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, the archipelago was not fully returned. Instead, the largest island, Diego Garcia, was designated for a joint US-British military base.
The UK's decision to grant full sovereignty to Mauritius has been passed through the International Court of Justice, Louis Olivier Bancoult, President of the Chagos Refugees Group, main organization based in Mauritius representing the Chagossian community, told
Sputnik Africa. Bancoult emphasized that the UK's actions violated the UN Charter and led to years of injustice for the Chagossian community.
"The Chagossian people have been expelled and been suffering of injustice for so many years," the activist stated, adding that Chagossian struggle would continue because they wanted the people from Diego Garcia to have the same opportunities as those from the Salomon Islands.
Louis Bancoult also criticized the UK government for presenting itself as a champion of human rights while enacting such injustice towards the Chagossian people, noting that its government has been misleading people.
"You know, we do understand that there is a US military base on Diego Garcia. And we know about the difficulties. But despite the existing facilities, priority should be given to the Chagossians, because we have foreigners working there. But we will not stop our struggle. We will continue," Bancoult said, revealing the existence of a secret agreement between the UK and US concerning the base, and the UK will retain sovereignty of Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, and will pay Mauritius an undisclosed rent.
Bancoult also praised the UK-
Mauritius agreement as a positive example for the world. He emphasized that both sides chose the dialogue and a peaceful solution, rather than resorting to violence. This historic decision, he said, will finally end the Chagossian people's suffering and should serve as a model for resolving other conflicts where people are denied the right to return home.
