The United Kingdom is preparing to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, bringing an end to a decades-long dispute.

The agreement to hand over the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius includes the tropical coral reef complex of Diego Garcia, where a military base used by both the UK and the US is located. This base plays a crucial role in the stability and security of the region.

Under the terms of the transfer, the base will remain under the jurisdiction of the UK and the US for at least the next 99 years.

The UK government stated that this treaty will “address past mistakes and demonstrate both parties’ commitment to supporting the well-being of the island’s native inhabitants.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said of the agreement: “This government inherited a situation where the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia military base was under threat, with disputed sovereignty and ongoing legal challenges. Today’s agreement ensures the future presence of the military base. It will strengthen our role in safeguarding global security, prevent the Indian Ocean from being used as a dangerous route for illegal migration to the UK, and guarantee our long-term relationship with Mauritius, a close Commonwealth partner.”