What You Need to Know
The UK has unexpectedly postponed the review of the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which was scheduled for February 23. This decision follows pressure from US President Donald Trump, who urged the UK not to relinquish control of Diego Garcia, a strategically important military base. Mauritius now faces uncertainty regarding its sovereignty claims.
Africa-Press. The UK has unexpectedly postponed the scheduled review of the bill to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which was set to be presented on Monday, February 23, before being referred to the House of Commons for final approval.
This indefinite delay follows a new retreat from US President Donald Trump, who explicitly urged London not to relinquish Diego Garcia, the most significant island in the archipelago, which hosts a strategically important Anglo-American military base and is a key point of military influence in the Indian Ocean.
Simultaneously, an American delegation expected to arrive in Mauritius on Monday to discuss security arrangements related to the base canceled its visit, indicating that the US position has become a pressing factor in the case.
In Port Louis, Mauritian authorities confirmed that the path to regaining sovereignty may enter a prolonged waiting period. Attorney General Gavin Glover—equivalent to the Minister of Justice—stated that “no one can predict what will happen in the coming weeks,” noting that his country has become “a collateral victim in a highly complex geopolitical context.”
He added that Mauritius has not received “any indications” regarding when the sovereignty transfer agreement might be reintroduced to the British Parliament’s agenda. Diego Garcia holds central importance for the United States, particularly concerning its military operations toward the Arabian Gulf.
Mauritian lawyer Parvez Dookhy, an expert on the Chagos issue, asserts that the base—unlike American bases in Qatar or Bahrain—provides Washington with “greater operational freedom” because it is located on “entirely British territory,” explaining Trump’s desire to maintain the status quo and not transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.
Trump’s stance has seen a series of retreats in recent weeks, complicating the situation further. On January 20, he described the proposed transfer of sovereignty as “absolute folly,” only to later praise the negotiated agreement as “the best ever,” as it ensures the continued operation of the base under a 99-year lease.
However, his latest statements on February 18 were entirely contrary, as he declared that “Diego Garcia should not be ceded,” which has returned the issue to a state of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Amid American pressures, British hesitance, and Mauritian demands, the Chagos Islands issue remains hostage to complex geopolitical calculations that may delay Mauritius’s dream of fully reclaiming sovereignty over the islands.
The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, were detached from Mauritius in 1965 when Mauritius gained independence. The UK established a military base on Diego Garcia, which has been a point of contention for Mauritius, which seeks to reclaim sovereignty over the islands. The geopolitical significance of the base has complicated the sovereignty discussions, particularly with US interests involved.
