Mauritius Must Tap Chagos Potential

The decades-long Chagos islands dispute has finally entered a new chapter.

- Dev K (Roshan) Boojihawon and Samuel Adomako

The UK officially agreed to return the sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius.

The Indian Ocean islands are strategically situated near key shipping lanes and regional power hubs. Mauritius was granted independence from British colonial rule in 1968. But not the Chagos islands, which had been part of Mauritius but became a new colonial territory. The residents of the largest island in the archipelago, Diego Garcia, were forced off the land. This was used as a base to support US military operations.

Now Mauritius has regained control over the islands while leasing Diego Garcia to the UK for a 99-year period for US$136 million a year. This gives the UK (and its ally the US) access to a vital maritime corridor for global trade and power projection.

But now that the deal has been signed, there's a more pressing question. Can Mauritius use it as the foundation for justice and economic progress?

As scholars of strategic economic development, we often focus on Africa and Mauritius in particular. We believe the agreement marks an important geopolitical moment. It rights a colonial wrong, honours international justice and cements Mauritius's global standing.

It also presents an opportunity to fund inclusive development and sustainability initiatives for Mauritius.

It could boost investments in education, health and infrastructure. It could also support the resettlement of displaced Chagossians, and advance marine conservation, renewable energy and climate resilience programmes in the archipelago.

The real challenge facing the Mauritian government is how to turn a diplomatic triumph into tangible national progress. We argue that what's needed is a forward-looking and inclusive strategy.