Labour serves eviction notice to Chagos islanders as US backs transfer deal

A small group of Chagossians landed on a Chagos atoll and were served an eviction notice by British authorities; the US has formally signalled support for a Labour agreement to transfer the islands to Mauritius.

A small group of Chagossians landed on a Chagos atoll to establish a permanent settlement before Mauritius assumes ownership. British authorities delivered an eviction notice to the group via a patrol vessel and warned of legal penalties if they remain. The United States has formally signalled support for a Labour agreement to transfer the islands to Mauritius and said it will hold talks with Mauritius next week about security arrangements. Key developments: - A group of Chagossians landed on a remote atoll and have been issued an eviction notice by British Indian Ocean Territory authorities. - Questions have been raised about the legal and human rights implications of removing the returning islanders, and a UN committee has previously called for suspension of the transfer process. - The US has given formal backing to the transfer agreement and plans bilateral talks with Mauritius next week to discuss security arrangements on the islands. Summary: The events have prompted legal and political scrutiny and attracted criticism from multiple parties. The next scheduled development reported is US-Mauritius talks next week on security arrangements; other legal challenges have been reported as possible.