A New Chapter for the Chagos Archipelagos

Photo courtesy: Google

The Chagos Islands, a group of picturesque archipelagos, have been returned to Mauritius after decades of British control. However, Diego Garcia, a key U.S.-U.K. military base within the 58 island British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) remains under British control. This base has been controversial due to the forced displacement of 1,000 Chaggosian inhabitants in years past (Foreign Policy).   

Although Diego Garcia will stay under British authority, other British overseas territories like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos face similar territorial claims from countries like Argentina and Spain (Commonwealth). 

It remains to be seen what Mauritius will do with its newfound control over the Chagos Archipelagos, now that they have them in the palm of their hands.