Chagos Islanders Protest UK Deal on Their Future After Displacement
- Islanders from the Chagos Islands protested outside the U.K. Parliament against a recent agreement transferring their homeland to Mauritius.
- The deal allows the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia to remain operational, raising concerns among displaced residents about their future.
- Critics argue that the decision undermines British sovereignty and highlights ongoing tensions regarding colonial legacies and indigenous rights.
In London, islanders from the Chagos Islands protested outside the U.K. Parliament against a recent agreement that transfers the islands to Mauritius without their consultation. This deal, announced by the British government, allows the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia to remain operational, raising concerns among displaced residents about their future and the lack of input in decisions affecting their homeland. The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814, with many islanders forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to facilitate the establishment of the military base. The recent agreement has reignited feelings of betrayal among the islanders, who feel their rights and voices have been ignored once again. Critics argue that the decision undermines British sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent for other territories. The Labour government claims the deal is necessary to secure the military base's status amid potential legal challenges. The agreement includes a resettlement fund for displaced Chagossians, but many remain skeptical about the prospects of returning home, emphasizing that the islands represent their true home, not just a military asset. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding colonial legacies and the rights of indigenous populations, as the international community continues to support the Chagossians' cause for justice and recognition.