In a historic move, the islanders have declared a government in exile, challenging plans to cede their homeland. Their voices echo with resilience and hope.
The Chagossians are hoping that their declaration will block Sir Keir Starmer’s plans (Image: Getty)
Chagossians have taken a bold step to prevent Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer from handing over their homeland to Mauritius by setting up a government in exile. Families who were forcibly evicted from the Chagos Islands between 1967 and 1973 have elected a “first minister” and declared their desire to remain British citizens and subjects of the King.
The Chagossians are hoping that their declaration will persuade the House of Lords to block Sir Keir’s plans to surrender the strategically important Indian Ocean islands . In his inaugural speech, Misley Mandarin, the islanders’ newly elected first minister, proclaimed, “Let the world know: we remain loyal subjects of His Majesty.”
Mandarin emphasized the Chagossians’ ongoing commitment to both the UK and the US, stating, “We remain committed partners to the United Kingdom and the United States. Tonight, the Chagossian voice becomes one voice. Tonight, our story begins anew.”
Chagossians demand same right to self-determination as other overseas territories
The first minister argued that the Chagossians should possess the same right to self-determination as other overseas territories. He stressed that the Chagossians wanted to return to their islands, remain British citizens under British sovereignty, and protect Diego Garcia and the Western security architecture that depends on it.
Government in exile formed ‘as a statement of existence, that we endure’
“Tonight, in the presence of our elders, our mothers, our youth, and our unborn generations, we declare the formation of the Chagossian government-in-exile,” Mandarin declared.
“Not in rebellion. Not in anger. But as a statement of existence, that we endure and that we refuse to be erased by distance or time as a proud, small, determined citizen nation, as some have planned we should on 1 February 2026.”
The implementation of the treaty was delayed last month after the threat of defeat in the House of Lords. Ministers were forced to pause legislation to ratify the treaty after a Conservative peer submitted an amendment requiring the Government to consult the Chagossians before proceeding.
The newly formed government in exile will now put together a charter (Image: Getty)
Election for first minister organised by Great British Political Action Committee
The election for the new first minister was organised by the Great British Political Action Committee, which supports the Chagossians’ call for self-determination.
Around 1,300 Chagossians in the UK were asked if they should form a government in exile and appoint an interim first minister, with an overwhelming majority backing the creation of a new government and the election of Mandarin as interim first minister. There were no other candidates, and the process was independently overseen by polling firm Whitestone Insight.
The newly formed government in exile will now put together a charter and a representative council to further their cause. The Chagossians were removed from Diego Garcia and the other islands between 1968 and 1973 and relocated to Britain, a move that has sparked ongoing controversy and calls for justice.
