What's happened
Mauritius' new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has initiated an independent review of the controversial Chagos Islands agreement with the UK, which cedes sovereignty while allowing a long-term UK-US military presence. This move follows concerns raised during his election campaign about the deal's implications for national security and relations with the US.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Prime Minister Ramgoolam stated, 'I wish to inform the house that I have asked for an independent review of the confidential draft agreement.' This sentiment is echoed by BBC News, which notes that Ramgoolam's administration has expressed doubts about the agreement's terms, emphasizing that the details were 'unknown to the new government' during negotiations. Meanwhile, Bloomberg highlights that the UK government is dismissing concerns about the agreement's viability, asserting that it remains in both nations' interests. However, The Independent reports that the incoming Trump administration is seeking assurances regarding the deal, indicating a potential shift in US-UK relations. This contrast illustrates the complexities surrounding the agreement and the varying perspectives on its implications.
How we got here
The Chagos Islands deal was signed in October 2024, transferring sovereignty from the UK to Mauritius while maintaining a 99-year lease for the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. Ramgoolam's election in November 2024 brought renewed scrutiny to the agreement, which he previously criticized.
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