Summary
The UK plans to sign a deal with Mauritius, transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while allowing the UK and US to continue using a military base there for 99 years. The signing ceremony will be virtual, involving both governments, following negotiations that were previously delayed due to political changes in Mauritius and the US.
Key Facts
- The Chagos Islands will be given to Mauritius by the UK.
- The UK and US will keep using a military base on the islands for 99 years.
- A multi-billion-pound payment is part of the deal.
- Political changes in Mauritius and the US delayed the deal.
- The agreement aims to maintain UK and US national security interests.
- The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965.
- Mauritius has contended it was forced to give up the islands in exchange for independence.
- The United Nations has supported Mauritius' claims to sovereignty recently.
