Official announcements from the UK or Mauritian governments, international news agencies

UK Delays Chagos Islands Deal With Mauritius Until After Trump's Inauguration Amid Diego Garcia Lease Dispute

Jan 14, 2025, 09:49 PM

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has decided to delay signing a deal with Mauritius over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands until after Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. The proposed agreement would see the UK cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease on the military base at Diego Garcia. The deal has been contentious, with critics arguing it undermines UK and US security interests. Recent reports indicate that Mauritius has sought a shorter 50-year lease on Diego Garcia and additional financial concessions, including front-loading the first seven years of annual payments, which could amount to a £630 million lump sum based on an annual payment of £90 million. The Mauritian government, led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, held a special cabinet meeting to discuss the deal, but no agreement was reached, and negotiations are set to continue. Downing Street has stated that it is 'perfectly reasonable' for the new US administration to consider the details of the proposed agreement before it is finalized.