Court intervention raises concerns over Chagossian voices in future decisions.
**Legal Challenge Halts Chagos Islands Transfer Agreement**
**Legal Challenge Halts Chagos Islands Transfer Agreement**
Last-minute injunction delays critical negotiations between UK and Mauritius for Chagos Islands handover.
The planned transfer of the Chagos Islands from the UK to Mauritius has been stalled by a sudden injunction issued by a High Court judge. At 02:25 BST, Mr Justice Goose granted "interim relief" in favor of two Chagossian women, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who filed a challenge against the Foreign Office. Anticipation was building for a virtual signing ceremony, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was set to finalize the agreement expected to permit the UK and US continued use of a military base on the islands for an initial period of 99 years, while recognizing Mauritian sovereignty.
As part of the transition, the UK government has yet to disclose the financial obligations to Mauritius, projected to be in the billions. A spokesperson emphasized that they do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings, asserting that the deal is essential for the protection of British national security. The challenging court case will be revisited in a hearing later today.
The legal action has sparked debate about the treatment of the Chagossian community, who were displaced during the establishment of the US military base on Diego Garcia in the 1960s. Their legal counsel, Michael Polak, criticized the government for neglecting to consult the Chagossian people about their homeland, reflecting a recurring sentiment of disenfranchisement.
In his ruling, the judge prohibited any final steps towards transferring the territory to Mauritius until further notice, reaffirming the UK's jurisdiction. Meanwhile, representatives from the Chagossian community are scheduled to meet with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty for discussions on the territory's sovereignty and review government projects related to Chagossians.
Discussions have intensified as Mauritius contends that the islands were unjustly taken when they were given independence from British colonial rule. While the military presence remains a sticking point, opinions within the Chagossian community about the islands' fate diverge widely, with some advocating for a return, others focusing on their rights in the UK, and a faction calling for self-determination free from external influence.
Mylene Augustin, a Chagossian residing in the UK, expressed concern about being left out of negotiations. Echoing her sentiment, she highlighted the importance of the court's decision in seeking to uphold the community's rights and heritage.
Internationally, calls for the UK's return of the islands to Mauritius have been mounting, with support from bodies such as the United Nations. Following the judicial intervention, shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized the current government’s approach as detrimental to national security and branding it a loss of dignity for the leadership. Debate surrounding the legacy of colonialism and the security interests of the UK is reignited as negotiations remain suspended for now.
As part of the transition, the UK government has yet to disclose the financial obligations to Mauritius, projected to be in the billions. A spokesperson emphasized that they do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings, asserting that the deal is essential for the protection of British national security. The challenging court case will be revisited in a hearing later today.
The legal action has sparked debate about the treatment of the Chagossian community, who were displaced during the establishment of the US military base on Diego Garcia in the 1960s. Their legal counsel, Michael Polak, criticized the government for neglecting to consult the Chagossian people about their homeland, reflecting a recurring sentiment of disenfranchisement.
In his ruling, the judge prohibited any final steps towards transferring the territory to Mauritius until further notice, reaffirming the UK's jurisdiction. Meanwhile, representatives from the Chagossian community are scheduled to meet with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty for discussions on the territory's sovereignty and review government projects related to Chagossians.
Discussions have intensified as Mauritius contends that the islands were unjustly taken when they were given independence from British colonial rule. While the military presence remains a sticking point, opinions within the Chagossian community about the islands' fate diverge widely, with some advocating for a return, others focusing on their rights in the UK, and a faction calling for self-determination free from external influence.
Mylene Augustin, a Chagossian residing in the UK, expressed concern about being left out of negotiations. Echoing her sentiment, she highlighted the importance of the court's decision in seeking to uphold the community's rights and heritage.
Internationally, calls for the UK's return of the islands to Mauritius have been mounting, with support from bodies such as the United Nations. Following the judicial intervention, shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized the current government’s approach as detrimental to national security and branding it a loss of dignity for the leadership. Debate surrounding the legacy of colonialism and the security interests of the UK is reignited as negotiations remain suspended for now.
