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Mauritius Doubles Down on Chagos and Tromelin Claims at UN General Assembly
Mauritius declared its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago 'non-negotiable' and reaffirmed its claim to Tromelin Island at the 81st UN General Assembly.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 1 hour agoπ 0 views
Mauritius has used one of the world's most prominent international stages to firmly reassert its territorial claims, telling the United Nations General Assembly that its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is "non-negotiable" and that the island of Tromelin forms an integral part of Mauritian territory.
The statement was delivered by Mauritius's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in a speech to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on 25 September. The Council of Ministers β Mauritius's Cabinet β took note of the outcome of the country's participation at the session when it met on Friday, 10 October.
**The Chagos dispute β where things stand**
The Chagos Archipelago, located in the central Indian Ocean, has been administered by the United Kingdom as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) since 1965, when it was separated from Mauritius before independence. The archipelago is home to the strategically significant Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated by the UK and the United States.
In 2019, the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution declaring the UK's administration of Chagos unlawful and calling for the islands' return to Mauritius. A landmark deal between the UK and Mauritius was announced in October 2024 β and later renegotiated β but as of mid-2025, a final agreement has not been formally signed, keeping the issue very much alive on the diplomatic agenda.
By reiterating the "non-negotiable" nature of its claim, Mauritius is signalling it will not accept any outcome that falls short of full sovereignty recognition.
**Tromelin β a lesser-known but equally firm claim**
Tromelin is a small, uninhabited island roughly 430 kilometres north of Mauritius, currently administered by France. Both Mauritius and France claim sovereignty over it. Mauritius has consistently raised the issue in international forums, arguing the island β along with its exclusive economic zone β rightfully belongs to the republic.
**Broader positions taken at the UN**
Beyond its territorial claims, Mauritius also used its platform at the General Assembly to advocate for reform of the UN Security Council, backing the common African position which calls for greater representation for the African continent among permanent and elected members.
The Mauritian delegation also highlighted the particular vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) β a category that includes Mauritius β to climate change, calling for improved access to climate finance and for the effective implementation of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on climate obligations.
**What this means**
For Mauritians, these statements matter beyond symbolism. The Chagos deal, if finalised, would expand Mauritius's maritime exclusive economic zone significantly, unlocking potential fisheries revenue and offshore resource rights. Tromelin carries similar economic implications. Mauritius's consistent lobbying at the UN keeps international pressure on both the UK and France and ensures the issues remain on the global agenda.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mauritius's claim over the Chagos Archipelago?β
Mauritius claims full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which was separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965 before Mauritian independence. The UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution in 2019 backing Mauritius's position. A sovereignty deal was announced between the UK and Mauritius in October 2024, but as of mid-2025, a final agreement had not been signed. The Chagos islands include Diego Garcia, which hosts a major UK-US military base.
Why does Mauritius claim Tromelin Island?β
Tromelin is a small uninhabited island located approximately 430 kilometres north of Mauritius, currently administered by France. Mauritius argues that Tromelin β along with the surrounding exclusive economic zone β is rightfully part of Mauritian territory. Both countries have raised the issue in bilateral talks, but no resolution has been reached. Mauritius regularly reaffirms this claim at international forums, including the UN General Assembly.
What is Mauritius's position on UN Security Council reform?β
Mauritius supports the common African position on UN Security Council reform, which calls for greater African representation among permanent and non-permanent members of the Council. This position, shared by the 55-member African Union, argues that Africa is the only inhabited continent without a permanent seat on the Security Council, making the current structure unrepresentative.
