Chagos Sovereignty Deal Faces U.S. Review & UK Hurdles | Mariner News

The future of the Chagos sovereignty deal between the UK and Mauritius now precariously hinges on a critical U.S. review. This agreement, which involves the UK ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago while maintaining American use of the vital Diego Garcia naval base through a lease-back arrangement, faces significant hurdles. Progress in the British Houses of Parliament has stalled amid growing opposition and specific amendments, making U.S. formal approval indispensable for its survival.

U.S. Review and UK Parliamentary Delays

The UK government acknowledged that the Chagos bill cannot advance without formal U.S. approval for amendments to the 1965 Treaty, ensuring continued American military presence. This approval remains elusive, especially with former U.S. President Trump vocalizing strong opposition to the handover. Simultaneously, the bill encountered “stormy waters” in the House of Lords, where amendments demanding consultation with Chagos islanders regarding their citizenship and transfer to Mauritius were passed. While these were rejected by the UK government, the legislative path forward remains complex.

Geopolitical Concerns for Diego Garcia

From a U.S. perspective, several major difficulties threaten the current deal, particularly the absence of a mechanism to recover sovereignty should Mauritius renege on agreements. Opposition to the Chagos handover is also mounting within the UK Parliament. The strategic importance of the Diego Garcia facility, a key U.S. naval support base, underscores the geopolitical ramifications of this unfolding situation. Its fate, and the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, remains uncertain as stakeholders navigate these intricate international and domestic challenges.