Mauritius PM asks how long the leasing agreement for the Chagos military facility would last

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has raised concerns about how long the lease is for a U.S.-British military base. He shared this in a local newspaper, as part of discussions about the UK giving control of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius.

In October, Britain made an agreement to give the Chagos Islands back but will keep control of the base on Diego Garcia, the biggest island in the group, for 99 years. The deal hasn’t been officially approved yet.

After winning the election in November and replacing the old government, Ramgoolam criticized the deal but did not explain the specific issues he had.

Ramgoolam criticized Britain’s deal with the previous government, calling it a “sell out.” He mentioned in the local newspaper L’Express that the lease should reflect inflation and consider exchange rates.

He said that it should clearly acknowledge that Mauritius owns the islands, which could impact the UK’s exclusive right to extend the lease.

“It’s not just about money; it’s about our independence,” he said, noting that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wanted to finalize the deal before Donald Trump became president on January 20.

Marco Rubio, who was chosen by Trump to be secretary of state, has said that the deal is a danger to U.S. security because it gives control of a group of islands, which are used by U.S. long-range bombers and warships, to a country he says is a friend of China.

“We’re not rushed,” said Ramgoolam. “We stay true to our promises and will focus on the country’s long-term interests, not just the short-term ones.”

Some Chagossians have criticized the talks because they were not included in them. They say they cannot support a deal they had no part in and plan to protest against it.