The UK is set to sign a deal transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on Thursday. This follows years of negotiations and international pressure. While Mauritius gains sovereignty, the US and UK will retain a crucial military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years, in exchange for a multi-billion pound payment. The deal has faced criticism from some Republicans in the US citing national security concerns related to Mauritius' ties with China. The UK government maintains the agreement safeguards the base, essential to UK and US national security. Representatives of the Chagossian community will meet with a UK minister to discuss the agreement.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.