During the past years, Mauritius has constantly demanded its due in international forums on human rights: the return of the Chagos archipelago excised from its territory in 1965 to become the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) (see inset). This fight seems to have come to an end. Foreign law specialists have just proved that this excision was illegal. The government can thus expect to regain its sovereignty over the archipelago. It is not only a matter of political importance but the country?s prestige would benefit from this sovereignty. The latter, if recognized, could also bring a bonus to the Mauritian economy and give hope to the deported inhabitants of Chagos of seeing their land again.

Last week, British lawyers from a renowned firm submitted a report on the Chagos archipelago. This is an important step in the government?s fight to reestablish its sovereignty over these islands. According to experts, there is no doubt that the ?Order in Council? that severed the Chagos from Mauritius is ?null and void?. They strongly believe that the Mauritian claim is based on law and propose a ?course of action? to help regain its sovereignty.

The Prime Minister, Paul Bérenger, made it a point of honour to bring up the project, which he has been fighting for since the beginning of his political career. Speaking to the Mouvement Militant Mauricien delegates, he implied that the outcome of this old fight would soon be seen. He hinted at the advantages Mauritius could draw from this. The sovereignty of Chagos would be at the core of future development, he explained.

Besides the immeasurable prestige of its restored sovereignty over the archipelago, there is no doubt that it would benefit the economy. As long as the Americans need a territory in the Indian Ocean for military purposes, Mauritius could ask for a rent. Moreover, the payment would be in foreign currency, which the country really needs.

The fishing sector would certainly benefit from the situation as well. When the government of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam made the negotiations, it was said that, ?all rights connected with fishing and mineral prospecting would be maintained for Mauritius?. This means that the Chagos maritime zone has always belonged to Mauritius. However, at the moment, Mauritius has no right to set up a fishing base or to process fish in Chagos archipelago. It might be an interesting field to develop there.

Finally, the islands? beaches might be of prime interest for eco-tourism and job creation. With its experience in the hospitality industry, Mauritius is already thinking of developing tourism in Agalega. Why not in Chagos?

Conditions of resettlement

Above all, regaining sovereignty would give hope to the population, expelled by the British and Americans, of going home. Of course, this return would not be automatic. The conditions in Chagos are not conducive to such a resettlement, since infrastructures are inexistent. Moreover, if a shared sovereignty is negotiated, the conditions of resettlement would have to be discussed.

There are approximately 8600 Chagossians in Mauritius today. The British declared they could go to any British territory except the Chagos, their own islands. After thirty years in Mauritius, Chagossians say they have not yet adapted to the Mauritian way of life. Some of them live in dismal conditions and are bitter: ?The three governments, the British, the American and the Mauritian governments, are swindlers?, an old Chagossian woman tells anyone who will listen. It is up to these governments to prove to her that this is not true.

History of the excision

The archipelago was the subject of blackmail by the British government on the Mauritian colony when Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was fighting for independence in the 1960s. Indeed, Great Britain accepted to give independence to Mauritius only if the latter gave up the Chagos Archipelago in exchange.

The long association of the Chagos Archipelago with Mauritius came to an end on 8th November 1965. The islands were detached from Mauritius to form part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Both Great Britain and the United States have actually used the BIOT islands for military purposes. The US army have established a military base on Diego Garcia, because of its strategic position.

The government of the time, and more particularly the Prime Minister, was much criticized. A Select Committee on the excision of the Chagos Archipelago, chaired by Jean-Claude de l?Estrac, was set up in 1982. In its report, it pointed out, ?Notwithstanding the blackmail element which strongly puts in question the legal validity of the excision, the Select Committee strongly denounces the flouting by the United Kingdom government, on these counts, of the charter of the United Nations.? Since then, governments, some more convinced than others, have seized each opportunity to claim this sovereignty back. However, no concrete measure seems to have been adopted so far