Chagos: Priti Patel Accuses Mauritius of Interference, Port-Louis Strongly Denies

The controversy surrounding the consultation conducted in the UK with Chagossians is intensifying. Priti Patel accuses Mauritius of interfering in the process, while Port-Louis firmly rejects these allegations, stating that it has limited its involvement to logistical support.

In a letter sent late Monday night to the Chairman of the International Relations and Defence Committee in the House of Lords, former Foreign Secretary and current Shadow Foreign Secretary in the UK Parliament, Priti Patel, questions the role of Mauritian authorities in the consultation with Chagossians regarding the treaty on the sovereignty of the archipelago. She criticizes the lack of prior consultation and raises concerns about potential foreign interference in a British parliamentary process.

According to Patel, the British government has "failed to undertake meaningful engagement and consultation before signing the treaty," labeling the situation as "shameful" and "outrageous." She claims that Labour ministers have "outsourced this process to a special committee rather than taking responsibility themselves."

The former minister believes that actions taken by Port-Louis could sway the public consultation. She expresses being "deeply concerned" over reports suggesting that "Mauritian authorities might interfere in our democratic processes and Parliament by becoming involved in responses to the survey." She asserts that Mauritius would use "its resources to organize surveys to fill out and return, which seems to be a coordinated effort to manipulate the survey results."

Patel also questions the absence of a question asking Chagossians whether they prefer to remain under British sovereignty: "I note that there is no question asking if Chagossians approve of relinquishing sovereignty to Mauritius or prefer the Chagos Islands to remain British. Is there a reason for this?"

She further indicates that, according to her discussions with members of the Chagossian community, they are "completely opposed to the transfer of sovereignty" and fear being "marginalized by both the British and Mauritian governments."

Regarding resettlement in the archipelago, she emphasizes that it "will be determined by Mauritius," which has "no obligation to resettle Chagossians or Chagossians living in the UK."

Patel also raises concerns about the Chagossian Trust Fund, asserting that Chagossians in the UK "have no role in the decision-making process" and that this governance would be "under the exclusive jurisdiction of Mauritius."

Lastly, she claims that Port-Louis has provided "no long-term guarantees" concerning artisanal fishing activities, leaving open the possibility that "other countries may be granted permission by Mauritius" to access protected maritime zones.

The letter concludes with a harsh critique of the British Labour government: "Chagossians are betrayed by this Labour government that does not even bother to consult or engage directly with them. This relinquishment of sovereignty is not in their interest nor in the national interest of the UK."

On Tuesday, Gavin Glover, in a statement to the Défi Media Group, firmly rejected the accusations made by the former British minister. "Ms. Priti Patel makes allegations that are not true. The main allegation is that the Mauritian government is directing Chagossians in Mauritius on what they should do, which is not true at all," he emphasizes.

He insists that Port-Louis has limited itself to providing logistical support: "We have made necessary equipment available to Chagossians living in Mauritius through the Ministry of ICT so they can fill out the forms."

Glover instead shifts the responsibility for any potential influences to certain groups within the Chagossian diaspora in the UK. "Chagossians residing in England have made posts on social media where they give clear instructions to certain individuals to do things in this survey. That is not good and, unfortunately, Priti Patel doesn't mention this."

He invites the former minister to verify the situation herself. "I encourage her to look at what is happening on social media regarding this."

Lastly, he announces that Mauritius intends to write to the relevant parliamentary committee to clarify its position: "We will write to the International Relations & Defence Committee to clearly state Mauritius's position so that there is no misunderstanding."

This committee, which is part of the British Parliament, is conducting a survey to gauge the sentiments of Chagossians as part of a report to be submitted to the British Parliament. This is significant in the process of returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.