Two women born in the Chagos Islands are launching a legal battle against the British government, challenging its plan to transfer control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius.
Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, both British citizens, argue that Chagossians have been unlawfully excluded from discussions about their homeland’s future. Their legal representatives have sent a letter to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), demanding a response by March 25.
Chagossians Fight for Their Right to Return
The Chagos Islands’ native population was forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. Today, their descendants live primarily in the UK, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
Speaking on the issue, Bertrice Pompe expressed frustration over decades of mistreatment by the British government.
“Chagossians were removed from their place of birth without consultation and have been treated badly for 60 years,” she said. “I want to stay British and also want the right to return to the Chagos Islands.”
UK’s Sovereignty Deal With Mauritius Faces Opposition
In October 2023, the UK government announced a preliminary agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining the military base on Diego Garcia. However, this plan has stalled due to multiple complications, including:
• US national security concerns – Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, has called the handover a “serious threat” due to the base’s strategic importance.
• Political changes in Mauritius – A shift in the Mauritian government has led to delays in negotiations.
• Disputes over financial compensation – The lease agreement for Diego Garcia remains a contentious issue.
International Legal Disputes Over Chagos Islands’ Sovereignty
The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been a topic of international legal battles for years. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a non-binding ruling, stating that the UK had unlawfully detached the Chagos Islands from Mauritius before granting it independence in 1968.
The United Nations has also urged the UK to return the islands to Mauritius, further pressuring the British government.
Uncertainty Over Resettlement Plan for Displaced Islanders
As part of the proposed UK-Mauritius agreement, a resettlement fund would be created to help displaced Chagossians return to their homeland. However, details of the scheme remain unclear, raising concerns over whether Chagossians will genuinely benefit from the transition.
With their legal challenge underway, Dugasse and Pompe hope to ensure Chagossians have a say in the future of their homeland and secure their right to return after decades of forced exile.
