● It is not the first legal battle that the Chagossians win against the British government. What does the latest verdict mean?

It is indeed not the first, but the third, time that the Court rules that the deportation of Chagossians from their homeland was illegal. But each time, they have obtained such a verdict, the British government has appeals against the ruling. This time, the appeal has been rejected and the Chagossians have the right to go back to their island whenever they want.

● Is it a final decision this time?

The British still have a last resort solution through the House of Lords. The latter have 28 days to state their decision but they have not expressed their intentions yet.

● The Chagossians still have to wait before going back to their native land, then?

Yes, they must be hanging on the British government?s every word at the moment. They have nevertheless already said they are ready to continue the struggle if the British decide to go to the House of Lords. A fourth legal battle does not seem to scare them.

● Are they really ready to go back to their islands?

They assert that they will go back there as soon as everything is settled. However, there is much to do there to make settling possible. Except for Diego Garcia ? where they are not allowed to settle ? all other islands are devoid of water, electricity and all basic infrastructure. Settling may take more time than the Chagossians realise?