‘Tug of war’: Chagos Islands deal tearing families apart in Mauritius

The Story of Geraldine Baptiste and Her Granpapa: A Poem of Pain and Resilience

Geraldine Baptiste, a powerful slam poet, uses her art to narrate the harrowing tale of her grandfather, a survivor of the brutal displacement of the Chagossians from their homeland. Her poetry vividly captures his memories of a peaceful life on the Chagos Islands, where he fished in the crystal-clear waters and enjoyed "seraz pwason" and "kalou" under the moonlight. These idyllic times starkly contrast with the violent expulsion in the early 1970s, as the British forced the Chagossians off their land to make way for a US military base. Baptiste’s words resonate deeply, especially as Mauritius prepares to assume sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, a decision reached after a landmark decolonization case at the International Court of Justice six years ago. The emotional weight of her poem, "Pena okenn antidot; Pou geri sa blesir; Ki ankor pe soupire," underscores the lasting wounds of this displacement, with many survivors still suffering decades later.

Sidelined: The Exclusion of Chagossians from Their Own Fate

Despite the significance of the ICJ ruling, the voices of the Chagossians themselves have been marginalized in negotiations between Mauritius and the UK. Karen Walter, deputy editor-in-chief of L’Express, highlights that the approximately 10,000 Chagossians scattered across the UK, Mauritius, and the Seychelles have had minimal influence on the talks. During the recent elections, former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth focused on the economic benefits of the deal, such as rent from Diego Garcia and potential hotel developments, but notably omitted any mention of the Chagossian community. His successor, Navin Ramgoolam, has renegotiated the terms, securing veto power for Mauritius over lease extensions, yet the Chagossians remain excluded. This exclusion is poignant considering the emotional impact of testimonies like Liseby Elyse’s, which swayed international opinion in favor of Mauritius during the ICJ hearings.

Time Running Out: The Struggle for Justice and Resettlement

Olivier Bancoult, leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, has long fought for the right of return, achieving a High Court victory in 2000, only to see it overturned four years later. Now, with many first-generation Chagossians aging and some nearing 100, time is of the essence. Bancoult supports Mauritian sovereignty, hopeful it may facilitate resettlement. However, Claudette Lefade of Chagos Asylum People opposes the deal, advocating for self-determination under the British flag and distrustful of the trust fund proposed by Mauritius. She fears it may be a ruse to avoid proper reparations, echoing past failures where promised funds were mismanaged. Her concerns are heightened by the opacity surrounding the handover, which may disadvantage some Chagossians.

Exodus: Chagossians Seeking a Better Future Abroad

Faced with enduring poverty and limited opportunities, many Chagossians are leaving Mauritius for the UK, taking advantage of citizenship offered to them and their descendants. In Baie-du-Tombeau, where some still reside in corrugated iron houses, the community speaks of an "exodus." Geraldine Baptiste, while choosing to remain in Mauritius, understands the desperation driving her peers. Her sister plans to join their ailing grandfather in Crawley, reflecting the practical choices many face. Jamel Colin, a mime artist, sees UK citizenship as a stepping stone toward self-determination, hoping it might allow Chagossians to reclaim their ancestral lands and stake a sovereignty claim. Yet, Bancoult warns that seeking solutions in the UK may be misguided, as Chagossians born elsewhere may find themselves dismissed by the British government.

Healing and Sovereignty: A Path Forward for Mauritius and Chagossians

Mauritius’s victory at the ICJ presents an opportunity to address past injustices, but the success of this endeavor hinges on involving the Chagossians in the decision-making process. Mauritian lawyer Robin Mardemootoo emphasizes that without their participation, Mauritius risks inheriting uninhabitable islands, unable to support resettlement. He advocates for Chagossians to have a seat at the table, ensuring their voices guide the rehabilitation efforts. The trust fund and resettlement plans, while promising, must prioritize transparency and equity to avoid past mismanagement. By including the Chagossians, Mauritius can not only heal historical wounds but also build a sovereign future that honors their enduring spirit and resilience.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Displacement and the Hope for Redemption

As Mauritius stands on the brink of reclaiming the Chagos archipelago, the story of the Chagossians serves as a poignant reminder of colonial injustice and its lasting impact. The exclusion of their voices in current negotiations underscores the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. Geraldine Baptiste’s poetry and the testimonies of Chagossians like Liseby Elyse bring human depth to the legal and political battles, highlighting the emotional stakes involved. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, Mauritius has a unique opportunity to rectify past wrongs and forge a path toward healing, not only for the Chagossians but also for itself. In doing so, it can set a precedent for how nations confront their colonial pasts and work toward a more inclusive, equitable future.