In October 2024, after years of diplomatic tension, the UK agreed to return the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape. The move followed persistent legal rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and mounting international pressure calling for the decolonization of the area. However, the deal has been met with resistance from both Mauritius’ new government and Chagossian communities, who continue to demand justice for their forced displacement in the 1960s. The agreement included a controversial 99-year lease for continued US-UK military use of Diego Garcia, a base vital to operations in the Indian Ocean.

The issue is further complicated by climate change, with rising sea levels threatening the long-term viability of the islands. As the geopolitical and environmental stakes rise, Mauritius seeks to regain full sovereignty, while the US and UK face strategic and logistical challenges. The situation highlights the intersection of sovereignty, military interests, and climate concerns, as both local and international players navigate a highly contentious and complex issue. The outcome will determine the future of the Chagos Archipelago and set a precedent for similar territorial disputes worldwide.

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