UK to lease Diego Garcia military base in Chagos Islands for 99 years at £165 million annually
The Chagos Islands, located approximately 500 kilometers south of the Maldives, consist of over 60 islands. Historically ruled by the UK, the islands are part of a narrative wherein Britain, once known as the 'Empires on which the sun never sets,' gradually relinquished control over its colonies post World War II. The recent lease agreement is a significant move for Mauritius in terms of sovereignty.
According to the agreement, the UK will transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining rights to lease a military base, with an initial term of 99 years and an annual payment of £165 million. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam described this agreement as a 'great victory for the Mauritian people' and emphasized the need for Chagossians to be able to return to their homeland.
