2 days ago
Mauritius' use of Chagos deal funds sparks outrage
Mauritius is using UK government funds, intended for indigenous resettlement, to pay off its debts, sparking outrage over Sir Keir Starmer 's agreement to hand over the Chagos Archipelago.
The UK-Mauritius agreement involves the UK relinquishing sovereignty over the islands and leasing back the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia for £101 million annually for 99 years, with a £40 million 'Future Fund' meant for Chagossian resettlement.
The Mauritian budget for 2025/26 indicates that revenue from Chagos will be used for debt repayment for the first three years.
Chagossian campaigners have submitted a legal communication to the UN Human Rights Committee, challenging the legitimacy of the UK-Mauritian deal, arguing it was negotiated without their consent and perpetuates historical injustices.
They are vowing to continue fighting the agreement, saying the Mauritian government is prioritising debt repayment over Chagossian rights and welfare.
