Britain cedes disputed islands to Mauritius, securing key U.S. military base
Disputed Territory: The islands in question are part of the Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, which has been a source of dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
Historical Background: The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius by the UK in the 1960s before Mauritius gained independence
U.S. Military Presence: Diego Garcia is home to a major U.S. military base, which plays a critical role in American military operations in the Middle East, Indian Ocean, and Asia-Pacific regions
Mauritius' Claim: Mauritius has long contested the British control over the islands, claiming that the UK’s separation of the archipelago was illegal under international law
UN Rulings: In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK should return control of the islands to Mauritius, further backed by a United Nations General Assembly vote.
British Decision: In a move to resolve the long-standing dispute, Britain has agreed to begin ceding control of the islands to Mauritius
Military Base Agreement: The U.S. will be allowed to continue operating the military base on Diego Garcia under a new agreement between Mauritius,
Strategic Importance: Diego Garcia is crucial for U.S. military operations, providing a strategic foothold in the region for air and naval operations