The Pope expressed his joy during a meeting with Chagos refugees, underscoring the importance of their right to return home. Acknowledging the deep-seated issues rooted in colonial agreements from the 1960s, the Pope emphasized the necessity of respecting indigenous rights and identity.
Under this deal, signed in May, the UK will compensate Mauritius with approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years, ensuring continued military presence on the island of Diego Garcia. Critics view the treaty as detrimental to the UK’s security posture, fearing it may strengthen adversarial nations’ military footholds in the region.
The historical context is significant, as the UK forcibly remove Chagossians from their homeland to establish military bases during the Cold War. Mauritius has fought for years to reclaim the islands, asserting that their initial cession was coerced as a precondition for independence.
While the treaty awaits ratification from both governments, responses from the Chagossian community indicate a mix of hope and concern about the future of their homeland.
Under this deal, signed in May, the UK will compensate Mauritius with approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years, ensuring continued military presence on the island of Diego Garcia. Critics view the treaty as detrimental to the UK’s security posture, fearing it may strengthen adversarial nations’ military footholds in the region.
The historical context is significant, as the UK forcibly remove Chagossians from their homeland to establish military bases during the Cold War. Mauritius has fought for years to reclaim the islands, asserting that their initial cession was coerced as a precondition for independence.
While the treaty awaits ratification from both governments, responses from the Chagossian community indicate a mix of hope and concern about the future of their homeland.
