Government replies to Chagossian campaigners

PHOTO: The Foreign and Commonwealth Development office, London, UK/ FCDO

Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s office has replied to two Chagossian campaigners opposed to the Government’s Chagos Islands sovereignty deal with Mauritius, THE CHAGOS FILES understands.

Lawyers for the campaigners sent a letter threatening court action last week. The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) replied yesterday.

Campaigners Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe argue that the islands should remain British. Both campaigners were born on one of the islands called Diego Garcia, a British Overseas Territory. 

They claim it is unlawful for the Chagossian people to have not had a say in the future of their native land. Concerns about racial discrimination and the possibility of not being able to return to live on the islands if handed to Mauritius were also raised.

“We do not comment on potential legal challenges,” a FCDO spokesperson told THE CHAGOS FILES reporter Tessa Clarke this week.

“The negotiations were between the UK and Mauritius with our priority being to secure the full operation of the base on Diego Garcia,” the spokesperson said. “However we have worked to ensure this agreement reflects the importance of the islands to Chagossians,” they added.

As part of the sovereignty deal agreed in principle with Mauritius, the British Government will finance a new Trust Fund in support of the Chagossian community. The fund will be given to the Mauritian government to distribute.

Visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago are being planned by the UK. It will be up to Mauritius to plan a programme of resettlement on the islands, other than Diego Garcia.

THE CHAGOS FILES has asked the Foreign Office (FCDO) to comment on which laws and powers are being cited by the Government as granting the Executive the right to finalise the Sovereignty Deal with Mauritius, and exclude those born on the islands from negotiations.

The Foreign Office has declined to comment.

Tessa Clarke & Alexia Psalti/28.3.25/updated 30.3.25