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Nobody can blame people wanting to return to their homes. But if I were in their shoes I'd be very careful about what their new government will do next. People
by clarionbell 4y ago
Nobody can blame people wanting to return to their homes. But if I were in their shoes I'd be very careful about what their new government will do next.
People of Chagos were useful as a leverage and international shaming tool. But once they return, and islands go to Mauritius ... they will be tiny, economically deprived minority, sitting so far unexploited resource trove. And you can ask East Timor how that goes.
The marine protection area, one of the largest in the world, is obviously going to disappear. UN calls it illegitimate land grab, and it technically is, so without the only backer (UK), there will be nothing holding back exploitation.
- goodcanadian 4y agoI have long been generally supportive of the people's right to return, but I am far more sceptical of Mauritius' claim to the islands. They were administered from Mauritius when Mauritius was a British colony, but otherwise, they do not have a strong geographical or historical connection there. I guess, ultimately, it is up to the Chagosian people what political arrangements they want, and I hope the negotiators make determining that a priority.
- ijuhoor 4y agoI’m not expecting my government (Mauritius) do do some meaningful change though. They already did a similar thing in a small island: https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/opinions/2021/8/5/why-is-india-building-a-military-base-on-agalega-island https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/opinions/2021/8/5/why-is-india...
- funshed 4y agoIndeed - though negotiations could tie the USA and UK into some form of recognition and protection. Especialy since USA wants to keep its base.