Nasheed Calls for Careful UK Handover of Chagos to Avoid Regional Tensions
Photo: Nasheed (X)
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called for a thoughtful approach to the United Kingdom’s planned handover of the Chagos Islands, urging that the transition be managed in a way that avoids creating tensions with Mauritius and its neighbouring nations.
The UK should not leave Chagos in a manner that would create a rift with the new owner, nor the Chagos’ neighbours. A rethink is required.https://t.co/AglnKizLC6
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 19, 2024advertisement
Following extensive negotiations, the UK agreed last October to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, its former colony. The agreement also stipulates that the US military base located on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, will remain operational. However, the deal’s finality has been thrown into uncertainty after the recent election of Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who expressed concerns about the agreement last month.
Nasheed, in a post on X, emphasised that the UK should leave the Chagos Islands in a manner that fosters diplomatic stability, ensuring that no further complications arise between Mauritius and its neighbouring countries. His comments come amid ongoing geopolitical sensitivity surrounding the islands.
Nasheed has long asserted that the Chagos Islands are historically part of the Maldives.
