“`html
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his “delight” following the UK’s agreement to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Speaking to a delegation of 15 Chagosian refugees, Pope Leo described the move as a “significant victory” in their protracted struggle to “repair a grave injustice.”
Under the terms of a treaty signed in May, Mauritius will regain sovereignty over the islands from the UK. However, the agreement permits the US and UK to continue operating a military base on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
The Pope voiced his hope that Mauritian authorities would ensure the refugees are able to return to their homeland. The deal has faced criticism from UK opposition leaders, as well as some Chagossians residing in the UK.
Speaking in French, Pope Leo stated: “The renewed prospect of your return to your native archipelago is an encouraging sign and a powerful symbol on the international stage.”
He further added that all people “must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, in particular the right to live on their land; and no one can force them into exile.”
The UK acquired the islands for £3 million in 1968, but Mauritius has maintained that it was illegally coerced into relinquishing the territory as a condition for gaining independence from Britain.
Subsequently, the islands were depopulated to make way for a UK-US armed forces base, resulting in the displacement of large numbers of Chagossians to Mauritius and the Seychelles, or their relocation to England, primarily in Crawley, West Sussex.
In May, the government announced it would pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for 99 years as part of the agreement.
The deal establishes a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia, where construction is prohibited without UK consent.
Foreign military and civilian forces will also be restricted from accessing other islands within the archipelago, with the UK retaining the power to veto any access.
The treaty’s implementation is contingent upon its approval by both the UK and Mauritian parliaments.
Upon the deal’s announcement, Conservatives characterized it as “an act of national self-harm,” arguing that it rendered the UK “more exposed to China” due to the latter’s ties with Mauritius.
The Prime Minister asserted that the agreement was essential for maintaining the UK’s national security.
“If we did not agree this deal the legal situation would mean that we would not be able to prevent China or any other nation setting up their own bases on the outer islands or carrying out joint exercises near our base,” Sir Keir Starmer stated.
“No responsible government could let that happen.”
Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover welcomed the agreement in May, telling the BBC: “Our country is elated that this 60-year struggle is finally over.”
However, two women born in Diego Garcia, seeking the right to return, launched a last-minute legal challenge to the deal in May.
The High Court subsequently dismissed the challenge.
The UK will retain control of Diego Garcia, home to a military base run with the United States.
The Conservative leader says she remains opposed to a deal, despite US President Donald Trump signalling support.
Pravind Jugnauth was charged with money laundering, which he denies, following a dramatic arrest.
Navin Ramgoolam says the acceptance of a US presence shows he is willing to find common ground.
The Mauritian prime minister had said the renegotiated deal linked payments to inflation.
“`