Keypoints:
- Mauritius considering legal action against the UK over delays
- Ratification of the Chagos Islands sovereignty deal remains stalled
- Britain paused the process following consultations with the US
MAURITIUS is exploring legal action against the United Kingdom over delays in ratifying the agreement that would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said Thursday.
In remarks reported by Mauritian newspaper Defi Media, Ramgoolam confirmed that the government has begun consulting international law firms as it examines possible legal options related to the long-running territorial dispute.
‘We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case,’ the prime minister said, adding that discussions with legal experts are already under way while the country awaits the formal implementation of the agreement.
The comments signal rising frustration in Port Louis as the long-awaited deal with Britain faces unexpected delays.
Deal intended to transfer sovereignty
The proposed agreement would see the UK transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a major shift in sovereignty over the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Under the arrangement, however, Britain would lease back the military base on Diego Garcia, allowing the strategically important installation to remain operational under existing UK and US security arrangements.
The base is widely regarded as one of the most critical Western defence facilities in the Indian Ocean, supporting military operations across the Middle East, East Africa and parts of Asia.
Mauritius has long argued that the Chagos Islands were unlawfully separated from its territory before the country gained independence in 1968.
The sovereignty dispute has been a major diplomatic issue for decades and has increasingly attracted international legal scrutiny.
Government raises concerns over UK delays
Ramgoolam said concerns about the implementation timeline were raised during ministerial discussions earlier this week.
Mauritian officials are reportedly worried that the delay in ratifying the agreement could undermine progress made in negotiations between the two governments.
While the deal was expected to move toward formal ratification, the process stalled earlier this year after Britain announced it was pausing the next steps.
The pause has prompted Mauritius to consider whether legal avenues might accelerate the process or reinforce its position in international forums.
UK pause linked to US consultations
The uncertainty surrounding the agreement intensified in February when UK Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said the British government was temporarily halting the ratification process.
Falconer told lawmakers that London needed additional consultations with the United States before proceeding.
The US maintains a significant military presence at the Diego Garcia base and has a direct interest in any arrangements affecting its future operation.
British officials have indicated that discussions with Washington are intended to ensure that the sovereignty transfer would not disrupt the strategic and operational role of the facility.
Decolonisation dispute continues
For Mauritius, reclaiming the Chagos Islands has long been framed as a matter of completing the country’s decolonisation process.
The issue gained renewed momentum after the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK should end its administration of the territory.
The United Nations General Assembly later backed Mauritius’ claim, calling on Britain to return the archipelago.
Negotiations between London and Port Louis in recent years produced the framework agreement now awaiting ratification.
However, the latest delays have raised concerns that the process could become prolonged.
By signalling that Mauritius may pursue legal remedies, Ramgoolam’s government appears to be increasing pressure on Britain to move forward with the deal while maintaining diplomatic engagement with both London and Washington.
