Africa-Press. Mauritian authorities welcomed the new stance taken by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Chagos Archipelago, after he had described the sovereignty transfer agreement between London and Port Louis last January as a “major mistake.”
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, February 5, Trump said he now “understands the importance of this agreement for Washington,” stressing the strategic value of Diego Garcia Island, which hosts a U.S. military base.
The Mauritian government quickly welcomed the clarification. Attorney General Gavin Glover said the country was “extremely pleased with this statement from the United States,” adding that Washington had recognized it as “the best possible agreement for both Mauritians and the British.” He noted that Mauritius is ready to work with London and Washington to ensure the treaty’s success, including the resettlement of Chagossians displaced in the 1970s.
Olivier Bancoult, leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, also expressed relief, saying: “Truth has prevailed.” He voiced hope that the British Parliament would soon resume discussions on the return of the archipelago, which had been suspended following Trump’s earlier remarks.
In his statement, Trump referred to “productive discussions” with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Diego Garcia, calling the agreement reached by London “the best possible.” However, he emphasized that he retains the right to strengthen the U.S. military presence on the island if the base faces any threat.
