Summary
A leader from the Chagos Islands, Misley Mandarin, asked President Donald Trump to oppose a deal that would transfer the islands from the UK to Mauritius. Mandarin suggested renaming one island after Trump in gratitude if he helps stop the agreement. The islands host a joint US-UK military base, and the deal would allow the UK to lease part of it back for 99 years.
Key Facts
- Misley Mandarin, a leader of the Chagossians in exile, wants President Trump to block the UK's plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- President Trump criticized the deal as "an act of great stupidity" on social media.
- In the past, the Trump administration supported the deal to maintain operations at the Diego Garcia military base.
- The UK plans to lease back the Diego Garcia base from Mauritius for at least 99 years.
- The Chagos Islands are home to a joint US-UK military base, crucial for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The British government removed Chagossian residents in the past to establish the military base.
- Some Chagossians oppose the transfer deal, feeling they were not adequately included in the decision.
- The agreement aims to preserve military capabilities and address legal challenges against the base.
