Chagossian Voices are challenging the Chagos deal, raising concerns over their rights and the future of the islands
London: A group of indigenous Chagossians is pushing back against the Chagos deal. They’ve hired lawyers to challenge the agreement that’s been stirring up controversy.
This comes as the deal is already facing backlash from various fronts. Even Donald Trump has threatened to veto it! The new Mauritian government is also asking for more from Britain, and even Labour MPs are raising eyebrows.
Chagossian Voices, a group representing the people from the Chagos Islands, is ready to take legal action. They want to make sure this deal doesn’t go through, especially since they feel it ignores their rights.
The UK government announced plans to hand over the islands to Mauritius by October 2024. This is supposed to secure a military base on Diego Garcia, but the Chagossians are not on board with Mauritian control over their homeland.
They’ve pointed out that they have their own unique culture and language, separate from Mauritius. Plus, they claim they weren’t consulted about this deal at all. Frankie Bontemps, a member of Chagossian Voices, expressed how powerless they feel in this situation.
He mentioned that the Chagossians have suffered for over fifty years due to their forced removal. Both the British and Mauritian governments seem to be looking out for their own interests, not the people who actually lived there.
As the UK tries to renegotiate the deal, the new Mauritian administration is pushing for more compensation. Bontemps highlighted that while the foreign secretary talks about securing a long-term deal, the real victims are the Chagossians.
He pointed out that it’s not the British or Mauritians who faced deportation; it’s the Chagossians who are still feeling the impact of that history.
The foreign secretary insists the deal is beneficial, claiming it secures the future of the airbase. However, the International Court of Justice has ruled that the islands belong to Mauritius, but they also noted that the Chagossians’ wishes should be considered.
Human Rights Watch has called for the UK and Mauritius to prioritize the Chagossians in any discussions about the islands’ sovereignty.
Recently, Labour MP Peter Lamb accused the foreign secretary of misleading Parliament about the government’s engagement with the Chagossians. He claimed there’s evidence that contradicts the foreign secretary’s statements.
Chagossian Voices stated they haven’t met with Mr. Lammy, and the minister who did meet with them didn’t discuss the negotiations. This highlights the growing tension around the deal, which is becoming more uncertain by the day.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been contacted for comments on this situation.
