The Chagossian people, forcibly expelled from their homeland in the Chagos Archipelago in the early 1970s, continue to fight for justice and their right to return. This struggle, marked by decades of impoverished exile and broken promises, highlights the complexities faced by this small community. Despite the UK granting citizenship to native-born Chagossians and their descendants in 2022, many still grapple with poverty and feel excluded from decisions about their future. A recent deal between the UK and Mauritius, which grants Mauritius veto powers over the lease extension for Diego Garcia, has been met with skepticism by some Chagossians who believe their concerns remain unaddressed.
The expulsion of the Chagossians from their homeland was a traumatic event, leading to decades of hardship. Many did not survive the impoverished conditions of exile. In a bid to assist, the UK sent funds to Mauritius in 1972 and 1982. Unfortunately, these funds were mismanaged, resulting in delayed and inadequate payouts. The Chagossian community has since fought tirelessly for justice, seeking the right to return home and reclaim their heritage.
In 2010, WikiLeaks brought to light a US diplomatic cable revealing a British plan to establish a marine-protected zone in Chagos. This move was seen as an attempt to greenwash the ban on the return of Indigenous islanders. The Chagossian people have been consistently denied the right to self-determination and have been excluded from discussions about their future. Despite promises made by the UK government, such as a 2016 pledge to distribute 40 million pounds to Chagossians globally, these commitments have yet to materialize.
"The UK already has form on that front, having failed to deliver on a 2016 promise to distribute 40 million pounds ($49.7m) to Chagossians around the world." – Claudette Lefade
The economic hardships faced by many Chagossians are stark. Living in corrugated iron houses, they struggle with poverty and limited opportunities. Karen Walter, a Chagossian representative, poignantly describes the situation:
"The poverty is glaring, some manage to make ends meet, but some don’t." – Karen Walter
Despite these challenges, the Chagossian people maintain a rich cultural heritage, including a unique Creole language and customs. Slam poet Geraldine Baptiste uses her platform to highlight their plight and celebrate their culture.
"Pena okenn antidot; Pou geri sa blesir; Ki ankor pe soupire." – Geraldine Baptiste
Baptiste describes the situation as being caught in a "tug of war" between opposing sides:
"It's like being in a tug of war between two sides that are killing each other." – Geraldine Baptiste
The recent deal between the UK and Mauritius offers Mauritius veto powers over future lease extensions for Diego Garcia. While this agreement marks progress, it has been met with criticism from some Chagossians who feel it falls short of addressing their needs and concerns.
"If Mauritius is not smart about this, it is going to inherit a bunch of islands with no means to rehabilitate them. And this is going to drag on and come back and haunt them." – Mardemootoo
Olivier Bancoult, a prominent Chagossian leader, emphasizes the importance of empowering natives to share their stories and advocate for change:
"It's more powerful when Chagossian natives are talking about what wrong was done to them and what [governments] need to do to correct it." – Olivier Bancoult
Bancoult highlights the persistent struggle of the Chagossian people:
"They are just hoping to have their dream realised." – Olivier Bancoult
Despite being granted citizenship in 2022, many Chagossians remain in precarious situations. Karen Walter, born in exile, reflects on her identity and connection to her homeland:
"I was born in exile, but I know where I come from and who I am." – Karen Walter
The UK's stance on the matter has often been dismissive, as noted by Bancoult:
"The UK government will say: 'You are not stateless. You were born in Mauritius. You were born in the UK.'" – Olivier Bancoult
"They will say: 'We don't have to deal with you.'" – Olivier Bancoult
The Chagossian struggle for justice is complex and multifaceted. It requires careful consideration and action from all parties involved to ensure that this community is given a voice in determining its destiny.
