Chagossians Establish Government-in-Exile, Seek Regional Diplomatic Recognition
London / Colombo / Malé
The Chagossian people, forcibly displaced from their Indian Ocean homeland more than half a century ago, have taken an unprecedented diplomatic step by establishing a government-in-exile, with the stated objective of safeguarding their right to self-determination and preventing the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
In a carefully worded declaration, representatives of the Chagossian diaspora announced that the newly formed government-in-exile would pursue international engagement, including the possibility of opening representative missions in Colombo and Malé, in order to secure political and diplomatic support from Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The initiative comes amid mounting controversy over a treaty signed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in May, which provides for the United Kingdom to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and pay Mauritius £30 billion over 99 years. The handover, scheduled for February, remains subject to parliamentary approval and faces resistance in the House of Lords.
Assertion of Self-Determination
At the centre of the new political structure is Misley Mandarin, elected unopposed as interim First Minister following a diaspora-wide consultation. In his inaugural address, Mr Mandarin emphasised continuity with British constitutional traditions and loyalty to the Crown.
“We remain loyal subjects of His Majesty,” he declared. “We remain committed partners to the United Kingdom and the United States. Our objective is not confrontation, but recognition — recognition that the Chagossian people exist, endure, and possess the same right to self-determination afforded to all peoples.”
The government-in-exile argues that the proposed transfer of sovereignty disregards the wishes of the indigenous population, many of whom were removed from the islands between 1967 and 1973 to facilitate the construction of a United States military base on Diego Garcia.
Strategic and Regional Dimensions
Beyond questions of historical justice, the Chagossians have framed their appeal in explicitly strategic terms, highlighting the role of Diego Garcia in the Western security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
Mr Mandarin stated that the Chagossians sought not only to return to their homeland under British sovereignty but also to ensure the continued stability and security of the region.
“Our vision is one of partnership,” he said, “where the Chagos Islands remain a pillar of regional security while the Chagossian people regain dignity, citizenship, and a future on their own land.”
It is within this broader strategic context that the proposed outreach to Sri Lanka and the Maldives has emerged. Both island nations occupy critical positions along Indian Ocean sea lanes and maintain longstanding diplomatic and security relationships with Western powers.
Diplomatic sources indicate that informal contacts are already being explored to gauge receptiveness in Colombo and Malé to hosting Chagossian representative offices, which would function as quasi-embassies for advocacy and engagement rather than formal diplomatic missions.
Options Under Consideration
According to officials associated with the government-in-exile, several long-term political arrangements are under discussion. These include:
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An independent Chagos state under international guarantees;
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A federated or associated status with the United Kingdom;
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Or, more controversially, a joint political arrangement with the Maldives, reflecting historical, cultural, and geographic linkages in the central Indian Ocean.
While no formal proposal has been submitted to any regional government, Chagossian leaders stress that dialogue, not ultimatums, will define their approach.
Parliamentary Uncertainty in London
In the United Kingdom, the treaty’s implementation has already been delayed following the submission of amendments in the House of Lords requiring formal consultation with the Chagossian people prior to ratification.
Ministers have acknowledged the political sensitivity of the issue but maintain that the agreement with Mauritius resolves longstanding legal disputes at international forums. Critics, however, argue that Mauritius has never exercised sovereignty over the islands and that the deal risks undermining Britain’s credibility on decolonisation and human rights.
The government-in-exile hopes that growing international attention — particularly from Indian Ocean states — will strengthen the case for halting or revising the agreement.
A Diplomatic Campaign Begins
The election of Mr Mandarin was conducted through a diaspora-wide process overseen by an independent polling firm, with approximately 1,300 Chagossians participating. The next phase will involve drafting a formal charter, establishing a representative council, and appointing envoys tasked with diplomatic engagement.
“We are not declaring rebellion,” Mr Mandarin told supporters. “We are declaring existence.”
As the February deadline approaches, the emergence of a Chagossian government-in-exile adds a new and complex diplomatic dimension to a dispute that now stretches from Westminster to the wider Indian Ocean — and potentially to the capitals of South Asia itself.