Four British Chagossians have travelled to the Chagos Archipelago in a move challenging the UK government's planned transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius, drawing renewed attention to the long-running dispute overdisplacement and the islanders' right of return.

The group landed on Île du Coin, part of the remote Indian Ocean territory, describing the journey as an attempt to reassert claims to ancestral land. UK officials have characterised the landing as unlawful, while Mauritian authorities have also questioned its legality.

The development highlights continuing tensions surrounding the Chagos Islands, where questions of sovereignty, historical displacement and legal rights remain politically sensitive decades after the removal of the original inhabitants.

TheChagos Archipelagowas home to a Creole-speaking community until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the UK removed residents to facilitate the establishment of a US military base on Diego Garcia.

Since then, Chagossians and their descendants have pursuedlegal and political efforts seeking recognition, compensation and the right to return. The issue has remained the subject of court cases, international rulings and diplomatic negotiations.

Unfortunately Chagossian groups were absent to come forward. In 2023 thirty‑five British Chagossians were denied emergency housing. The UK must prioritise British people,domestic needs and protect the 60‑island Chagos, and guarantee a referendum.#Chagos≠ NO to Mauritius. 🇬🇧🇮🇴pic.twitter.com/9n4HDKPThE

In 2025, theUK and Mauritiussigned an agreement totransfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Under the arrangement, the UK will continue operating the Diego Garcia military facility through a long-term lease.

The agreement was presented by the British government as consistent with international legal advice on decolonisation. However, some Chagossian groups have argued that the deal does not sufficiently address their claims or future status.

On 16 February 2026, four Chagossians travelled to Île du Coin, stating that they intended to establish a presence on the islands.

Among them was Misley Mandarin, who has been associated with Chagossian advocacy initiatives. The group said the return was intended to highlight concerns over the sovereignty agreement and the rights of displaced islanders.

Source: International Business Times UK