Treaty on Diego Garcia: London Details Guarantees Granted to Chagossians
Title: Treaty on Diego Garcia: London Details Guarantees Granted to Chagossians
Content: The treaty signed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom includes a fund of £40 million, a resettlement program for the Chagossians, and measures to protect their civil rights.
On Monday, the British government defended the provisions of the treaty concerning Diego Garcia that aim to structure the future of the Chagossians, amidst heated debates in the Westminster Parliament. In a written statement to the House of Commons, the British Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, presented recent advancements related to the agreement signed on May 22, 2025, between the UK and Mauritius.
According to London, this treaty "ensures the future of the Anglo-American military base at Diego Garcia," described as "vital for the UK's defense and intelligence capabilities, as well as for the security of the British people." However, the Labour government emphasizes that it has made specific provisions in favor of the Chagossians, a displaced population from the archipelago since the late 1960s.
Among the central measures is the establishment of a £40 million trust fund (approximately Rs 2.4 billion at the current exchange rate). "Under the treaty, the UK will capitalize a Trust Fund of £40 million for the benefit of the Chagossians, which will be established by Mauritius," the statement clarifies. On December 12, the Mauritian government approved the introduction of primary legislation aimed at setting up this fund. The bill, which will be voted on by the Mauritian Parliament when it resumes in March 2026, establishes the principle that "the Trust Fund will be managed for Chagossians, by Chagossians."
According to this bill, already published on the Mauritian Parliament's website, the governance of the fund will be overseen by a 12-member board, including seven Chagossians, thus ensuring a Chagossian majority. "The chairperson of the Trust Fund will be a Chagossian, chosen by the Chagossian members of the Board," states the British government.
Following discussions with London, the law also provides for a Chagossian representative based in the UK, alongside representatives living in Mauritius and Seychelles. The British High Commissioner in Mauritius will attend the Board meetings. These commitments have been welcomed by London, which believes they will allow for the representation of "the full range of perspectives within the Chagossian community."
Resettlement Program
Furthermore, the treaty paves the way for a resettlement program on the islands of the archipelago, excluding Diego Garcia. "This agreement constitutes the only viable path towards resettlement in the archipelago," asserts Stephen Doughty. Mauritius has confirmed that eligibility for potential resettlement will include Chagossians born in the archipelago before December 31, 1973, as well as children with at least one parent born in the archipelago before this date. The British government clarifies that it has received assurances that this arrangement will be open to all Chagossians, "regardless of their country of residence."
Chagossians residing in the UK who do not hold Mauritian nationality will be able to acquire Mauritian citizenship if they meet these criteria, to participate in a future resettlement program. All "will remain eligible for British citizenship under the current pathway," and may hold dual British and Mauritian nationality. Mauritius has also committed to ensuring that civil status documents continue to state the Chagos archipelago as the place of birth for the individuals concerned, with the possibility of correcting documents when this has not been done.
The statement also touches on an amendment to Mauritian criminal law. Enacted on October 29, the law modifying the criminal code abolished Article 76B, which made it an offense to "distort Mauritius's sovereignty" by disseminating maps, documents, or official objects. Although no prosecutions have been initiated on this basis, London recognizes "the impact this provision had on the Chagossian community" and welcomes its repeal.
The UK and Mauritius reaffirm their commitment to facilitate heritage visits to the archipelago, including to Diego Garcia, and to revive a program for Chagossians.
In parallel with the treaty, London announces an enhancement of support measures for Chagossians living in the UK, as well as ongoing discussions regarding the evolution of the Chagossian contact group, tasked with involving the community in decisions concerning government assistance. A new update is promised once consultations are completed.