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Mauritius Claims Full Sovereignty Over Chagos Islands After UK Decision

12:34, 4 October 2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

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In the 19th century, Britain took control of the Chagos Archipelago, which was part of the British colony of Mauritius. However, when Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the Chagos Archipelago was not fully returned to the African island nation. A US-British military base was established on Diego Garcia, the largest of the 60 small islands.

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Following decades of dispute, the UK has agreed to cede control of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, and acknowledge Mauritius full sovereignty over Islands.

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed the agreement as the completion of the nation's decolonization process, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming this territory that was separated from Mauritius during its independence in 1968.

The UK had retained control of the Chagos Islands to establish a joint military base with the US on Diego Garcia, the archipelago's largest island.

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The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also applauded the agreement, highlighting the AU's active support for Mauritius' legal pursuit of the Chagos Islands since 2018.

This support culminated in a strong case presented at the International Court of Justice, where the AU emphasized the importance of decolonization and the territorial integrity of African states.

This historic decision marks a significant victory for the cause of decolonization, international law, and the self-determination of the Mauritian people, Faki said.