GIS – 23 May 2025: Following the signature on 22 May 2025 of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Mauritius and the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, the Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP flanked by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Paul Raymond Bérenger, GCSK and the Attorney-General, Hon Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover, SC held another press conference, today, to provide additional details on this landmark Agreement and the context surrounding its conclusion.
The major point of the Agreement, as outlined by the Prime Minister, is that the United Kingdom recognises the sovereignty of Mauritius over the entirety of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. He pointed out that while Mauritius has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, it has authorised the United Kingdom to exercise rights and authorities with respect to Diego Garcia, but only in line with the terms of the Agreement for the long-term, secure, and effective operation of the military base on the island.
The Prime Minister underlined that this historic Agreement marked a significant step in the completion of the decolonisation process of Mauritius after nearly 60 years of struggle. He thus paid tribute to the generations of Mauritians who have been involved in this struggle, including key figures of the Chagossian community, political leaders, and international allies such as the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and India. He acknowledged too the foundational role played by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam in initiating the struggle for decolonisation. “Mauritius has fought for decades to restore its dignity, and today, this Agreement represents the culmination of these efforts,” he noted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Agreement’s recognition of the “deeply regrettable legacy” of the past treatment of the Chagossians and that it would be possible for Mauritius to implement a programme of resettlement on the islands of the Chagos Archipelago other than Diego Garcia. He further stated that a Chagossian Trust Fund to which the UK would grant £40 million would be established and become operational by the end of 2027. Another key provision of the Agreement as underscored by the Prime Minister was the annual payment of £165 million to Mauritius for the first 3 years of the Agreement as well as an annual payment of £120 million for the subsequent years of the Agreement (indexed as from the 14th year of the Agreement) and annual funding amounting to £45 million over 25 years for development projects.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the setting up of a Joint Commission, comprising representatives from both countries, to facilitate the implementation of the Agreement, with the United States being granted observer status in this Commission. He noted that the Agreement would have to be ratified so that it can be implemented.
According to the Head of Government, the Agreement paves the way for a new era in the relations between Mauritius and the UK, with the establishment of a strategic partnership. “This partnership will be reinforced by annual dialogues and cooperation on several fronts, including marine security and climate change,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister, for his part, described the occasion as a “historic moment, filled with emotion and pride.” He dwelt on the significance of the Agreement not only for the country but for all Chagossians who have fought with courage and dignity. He also expressed gratitude to the friendly nations and international organisations, including the African Union, SADC, India, and China whose unwavering support played a critical role in the international recognition of Mauritian sovereignty.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced too that a delegation comprising himself, the Prime Minister, and members of the Chagossian community would undertake an official visit to the Chagos Archipelago towards the end of the year. He spoke as well of the setting up of a Committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister with representatives from the Chagossian community, to oversee the implementation of projects for the Chagos Archipelago. He reassured Chagossians that their voices and priorities remain central to the future of the Archipelago.
Highlighting the ecological richness and natural resources of the Chagos Archipelago, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that any development undertaken would have to be sustainable and respectful of the environment.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
