Chagos Reversion: A Parliamentary Report Criticizes the Treaty Between the UK and Mauritius

A report from the British Parliament reveals that Chagossians feel excluded from negotiations concerning the Chagos Archipelago. They are demanding direct participation in decision-making, autonomous oversight of funds, and recognition of their right to return to their homeland.

As the final stages of the reversion process for the Chagos Archipelago approach, a report published Wednesday by the House of Lords' International Relations and Defence Committee highlights the marginalization felt by Chagossians regarding the agreement between the UK and Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago. Based on an online survey that collected over 3,000 responses, the document emphasizes that Chagossians "feel excluded from negotiations and demand a central role in the decisions affecting them." This sense of historical injustice dominates the findings, intensified by widespread mistrust towards the Mauritian government.

One of the main conclusions of the report is that "Chagossians feel deeply wronged due to their forced displacement from the islands and the subsequent hardships, stressing that compensation and support should be provided directly to Chagossians, with Chagossian oversight and representation in decision-making."

This report stems from an online survey conducted by the British parliamentary committee to gather opinions from Chagossians residing in the UK, Mauritius, Seychelles, and elsewhere regarding the UK-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. On November 11, 2025, the committee was invited by the government and the Conservative Party to gather these opinions as part of the parliamentary passage of the bill implementing the agreement. To give Chagossians the opportunity to express their views on key aspects of the agreement, and building on a previous committee survey on the subject, this invitation was accepted.

The survey, launched on November 19 and translated into French and Mauritian Creole, was disseminated through Chagossian networks in the UK, Mauritius, Seychelles, and beyond. Despite tight deadlines and methodological constraints, it attracted over 3,000 responses, reflecting a strong and engaged community voice.

Harsh Comments from the Committee Chair

Commenting on the report, Lord de Mauley, chair of the committee, stated: "Chagossians have been systematically marginalized during the negotiations concerning the UK agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago. Successive British governments have failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with the community throughout this process."

He added: "Chagossians have a clear moral right to be heard and to participate in decisions affecting them and their homeland. We are grateful to all Chagossians who responded to our survey. While it provided them an opportunity to voice their opinions, our survey cannot substitute for a comprehensive governmental consultation. It is now up to the government to take responsibility and address the concerns raised by Chagossians through the survey."

Lord de Mauley emphasized that, despite significant time and resource constraints, "we believe our findings provide a broadly accurate picture of Chagossian opinions. The key themes that emerged closely align with those identified by the committee in its previous investigation into the implications of the sovereignty transfer of the Chagos Archipelago."

Key Recommendations

Among the main findings and recommendations of the report are several central points. Firstly, mistrust towards the Mauritian government is widespread, rooted in historical marginalization and discrimination, the report states. Concerns have been voiced that the agreement lacks sufficient guarantees, clarity, or transparency to assure Chagossians that their needs will be met.

Chagossians have expressed sincere aspirations to return to their homeland. At the same time, they acknowledge the very real practical barriers to resettlement and share concerns that the Mauritian government will not implement a fair resettlement program.

The £40 million trust fund established by the agreement between the UK and Mauritius is perceived not only as a financial instrument but as a vehicle that should provide reparations and improve the lives of Chagossians. Many have advocated for direct financial support, as well as Chagossian oversight and involvement in setting the fund's priorities.

Finally, Chagossian participation in environmental governance is seen as central to future conservation efforts across the archipelago. Respondents emphasized the compatibility of traditional Chagossian fishing with ecosystem protection, arguing for community leadership in this area.

Historical Context and Current Implications

The report reminds that Chagossians have suffered a history of displacement and exclusion for 50 years. Between 1967 and 1973, the UK expelled the population to facilitate the establishment of a US military base on Diego Garcia, relocating families to Mauritius, Seychelles, and later to the UK. To this day, they cannot return to live on their ancestral islands.

The agreement allows Mauritius to implement resettlement programs on the outer islands with no obligation and excludes Diego Garcia. This omission is seen as a profound loss. Testimonies reveal intergenerational suffering, with a moral imperative for reparations through compensation, pensions, and community support.

Mistrust towards Mauritius is particularly pronounced among respondents from the UK, and to a lesser extent from Mauritius and Seychelles, citing negligence and mismanagement. Linked to this, the demand for autonomy is unanimous: decisions must involve them directly.

Identified priorities include housing, education, health, and pensions, with an emphasis on independent oversight.

Preventing Reversion: Chagossians Form an Exiled Government

In a symbolic move to counter the British government's plans, Chagossian families expelled from their archipelago between 1967 and 1973 have elected a "Prime Minister" and proclaimed the creation of an exiled government. This initiative comes as Mauritius is poised to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

This measure was announced with the hope of influencing the House of Lords and preventing the ratification of the transfer agreement. The agreement, set to take effect next February, would mark the end of British sovereignty over this strategically located archipelago in the Indian Ocean, except for the Diego Garcia military base, which would remain under Anglo-American control.

During an inaugural ceremony, Misley Mandarin, elected as the "First Minister" of this exiled government, stated: "Let the world know: we remain loyal subjects of Her Majesty. We remain committed partners to the UK and the US. Tonight, the Chagossian voice becomes one voice. Tonight, our history begins anew. We are still here. We are still Chagossians. And tonight, we rise. God Save the King."

Misley Mandarin insisted on the right to self-determination for Chagossians, comparable to that granted to other British overseas territories. He expressed the community's desire to return to the islands, retain British citizenship, and maintain UK sovereignty. He also highlighted the importance of preserving Diego Garcia and the Western security architecture that depends on it.