Why the Chagos Islands are centre stage in the global struggle for power

The Chagos Islands, a series of seven atolls, have been a British Indian Ocean Territory since 1965, when they were detached from Mauritius – then a British colony. The largest island, Diego Garcia, is now home to a joint UK-US military base and carries major strategic importance for transatlantic power. After years of legal action, Mauritius is set to regain control over the islands, agreeing to lease Diego Garcia to the UK for 99 years at over £100 million per year, with options to extend. While Washington initially accepted the deal, the US President is now calling it an ‘act of great stupidity’. The White House has expressed concerns that the plan could expose the US to Chinese espionage. What is at stake if sovereignty of the islands is ceded back to Mauritius? And is there still room to change course? Maxwell Evenor Spokesperson for Chagossian Voices Mike Salem Assistant Coordinator of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Chagos Islands Tim Phillips Director of Global Affairs at Nestpoint Associates #ChagosIslands #Mauritius #theNewsmakers