Chagos, Justice, and the Call for a Consultative Assembly
The Chagos Archipelago remains one of the most painful chapters in Mauritius' modern history. Between 1967 and 1973, Chagossian families were forcibly removed and scattered across Mauritius, Seychelles, and beyond. What started as a British plan for a naval base evolved, under American influence, into a strategic military site and possibly a disaster recovery center. To facilitate this, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an artificial construct aimed at securing control over the Indian Ocean and its trade routes.
Recently, the United Kingdom announced a transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining control of Diego Garcia and has even supported the establishment of a so-called “government in exile” in London. However, one fact stands out: Chagossians in Mauritius, Seychelles, and elsewhere have not been consulted.
THE QUESTION OF LEGITIMACY
International law clearly states that a government requires territory, people, and defined borders. The “government in exile” lacks all three. It does not possess sovereign territory, recognized borders, nor does it have a universally accepted claim to represent Chagossians. In contrast, Mauritius has been recognized by the International Court of Justice and the United Nations as the legitimate sovereign of Chagos.
DECOLONISATION MUST BE COMPLETED
Mauritius firmly asserts that the Chagos issue transcends mere sovereignty; it pertains to the completion of the decolonisation process. The UK’s ongoing control of Diego Garcia and its support for alternative exile frameworks are merely stalling tactics that obstruct justice. Decolonisation is non-negotiable; it is both a legal and moral obligation. Mauritius seeks to conclude this process honorably, restoring dignity to the Chagossian people and ensuring full respect for sovereignty.
THE NEED FOR A CHAGOSSIAN CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Mauritius can take a leading role by establishing a Chagossian Consultative Assembly. This body would:
• Ensure inclusivity by uniting Chagossians from Mauritius, Seychelles, and the diaspora.
• Provide advice on government policies regarding resettlement, reparations, and cultural preservation.
• Uphold dignity by basing decisions on lived experiences.
• Enhance legitimacy by demonstrating that Mauritius' sovereignty claim is participatory rather than symbolic.
PROPOSED STRUCTURE
• General Council: Representatives elected from Chagossian communities.
• Advisory Committees: Focused on human rights, environment, cultural heritage, and youth empowerment.
• Ceremonial Secretariat: Dedicated to preserving identity through music, rituals, and collective memory.
• Government Liaison Unit: Ensuring direct communication with Mauritius and international entities.
The Chagos issue is not solely about sovereignty; it encompasses justice, dignity, and the right of a people to be acknowledged. By forming a Chagossian Consultative Assembly, Mauritius can demonstrate its commitment to inclusive governance and human rights. It is time to advance from mere symbolic gestures to participatory justice. Sovereignty must coincide with dignity, dignity must be founded on consultation, and consultation must complete the unfinished journey of decolonisation. Let the voice of Chagos rise not in exile, but in restored dignity.
By Dharamraj Deenoo