Mauritius’ new Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has expressed reservations about a recent agreement with the UK over the Chagos Islands. The deal, signed under former PM Pravind Jugnauth, would transfer UK sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing Diego Garcia, home to a UK-US military base, for at least 99 years. Ramgoolam has requested more time to review the details, citing legal concerns. While Ramgoolam hasn’t disclosed the specific issues he has with the agreement, Arvin Boolell, the minister of agro-industry and fisheries, has been more forthcoming, According to Bolell, the agreement effectively grants the UK ownership of Diego Garcia for 200 years. The deal faces opposition from US President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, with nominee Marco Rubio labeling it a security risk. It has also drawn criticism from Chagossian groups, who claim they were excluded from negotiations, and UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused the government of not defending the UK’s interests.
SOURCE: BBC
