What to know about the Chagos Islands as Trump slams the UK's sovereignty deal
Summary
The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, sparking criticism from former US President Donald Trump and concerns over the strategic US military base on Diego Garcia and the displaced islanders' resettlement.
Key Points
- The Chagos Islands, home to a strategic US military base on Diego Garcia, are set to be transferred from British to Mauritian sovereignty under a recent deal.
- Former US President Donald Trump criticized the sovereignty transfer as a security risk benefiting China and Russia.
- The deal includes a leaseback agreement where Britain will pay Mauritius to lease Diego Garcia for at least 99 years, ensuring continued US military access.
- Displaced Chagossians have been left out of negotiations, with ongoing concerns about their right to return to the islands and calls for a resettlement fund.
