Chagossians Challenge UK-Mauritius Sovereignty Deal in Court

On March 17, 2026, two Chagossian women initiated legal proceedings against the British government, contesting the proposed transfer of the Chagos Islands' sovereignty to Mauritius. The claimants argue that the agreement, which excludes the Chagossian community from decision-making, violates their rights and disregards their historical connection to the archipelago.

The UK government announced plans to cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, retaining only the Diego Garcia military base under a long-term lease. This move has been met with resistance from Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to facilitate the establishment of the base.

The legal challenge underscores the ongoing struggle of the Chagossian people to reclaim their homeland and participate in decisions affecting their future. The case is expected to bring renewed attention to issues of colonial legacy, indigenous rights, and international law.