A court has overturned a long-standing ban preventing people from living on the outer islands of the Chagos Islands.
Legal Challenge
The ruling followed an incident in February when nine people, including four Chagossians, landed on Ile Du Coin and were ordered to leave.
Four members of the group challenged the decision, arguing that a 2004 law banning Chagossians from entering and staying on the outer islands was unlawful.
court Decision
The BIOT Supreme Court ruled in their favour, quashing both the ban and the order to leave.
The judge said the restrictions could no longer be justified and that any exclusion of a population must have a proper legal basis.
Wider Political Context
The ruling comes amid ongoing discussions about transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while the UK would retain a military base on Diego Garcia under a long-term lease.
The deal has drawn international attention and political debate, with former US President Donald Trump criticising it as a “big mistake.”
Government Response
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said the government disagrees with the ruling and that an appeal has been filed.
The decision has also sparked political criticism in the UK, with opposition figures accusing the government of sidelining Chagossian communities.
Chagossian Rights
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Chagossians to regain access to their ancestral lands, as legal and political battles continue over the future of the islands.
