In this interview, we speak with Louis Olivier Bancoult, a dedicated Chagossian born on the island of Peros Banhos in the Chagos Archipelago. At the age of four, Olivier Bancoult was forcibly removed from his homeland and resettled in Mauritius — a traumatic experience shared by many in his community. As a passionate advocate for the rights of the Chagossian people, he has dedicated his life to seeking justice, recognition and the right of return for his community.
Olivier Bancoult is a highly active figure in the ongoing efforts to address the injustices faced by the Chagossians, including numerous legal actions against the British government and advocacy at international levels. His leadership is rooted in a deep connection to his cultural heritage and a firm belief in the importance of preserving the community’s identity and dignity.
In this conversation, he shares insights into the challenges faced by the Chagossian community, the progress of negotiations with the British government and his vision for a future where justice and reconciliation prevail. His story is one of resilience and commitment to the cause of his people, emphasizing that the fight for justice remains as urgent today as ever.
What inspired you to take up the fight for the Chagossians’ rights?
My inspiration stems from my roots. I was born in the Chagos Archipelago, specifically in Peros Banhos and I moved to Mauritius when I was just four years old. My mother played a significant role in encouraging me to get involved in this cause. She emphasized that, with the education I had acquired, I could contribute meaningfully to advocating for the rights of the Chagossian community. It is a matter close to my heart and I believe it is my duty to stand up for justice and recognition for my people.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Chagossians today?
The challenges our community faces are longstanding and complex. Essentially, they revolve around the right to return to our homeland. For generations, people who live outside their native territory continue to seek justice and the opportunity to reconnect with their roots. This is vital because each nation has its unique culture and traditions, and severing that connection is akin to losing a part of oneself.
Today, there is a growing concern about the erosion of cultural identity. We often promote other communities’ cultures, which, while enriching, can sometimes lead to neglecting our own. For the Chagossians, this is particularly poignant. Our children are often unaware of the history of the Chagos Archipelago, just as one might want to show their children the place of their birth. For us, it’s a matter of pride and identity. Yet, due to restrictions, we are interdicted from visiting Peros Banhos or other parts of our homeland Chagos.
This raises a fundamental question: Do we have the right to know our place of birth? Many Mauritians, even those born here, seek to trace their ancestral roots. The challenges are compounded by the influence of global powers, notably the United Kingdom and the United States, which have historically played a role in our displacement. Despite our small size, we remain resilient, asserting our fundamental rights and dignity as a nation. Our fight is about justice, recognition and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
What are your thoughts on the current negotiations with the British government?
Since 1997, I have taken legal action against the British government because I was deeply disappointed with the way the Chagossians were expelled from the islands, primarily to facilitate the establishment of a military base. We won this case and I have always maintained that our fundamental rights must be respected. You cannot uproot a community solely to serve the interests of one nation.
My fight has been consistent from the beginning: I am not asking for more or less than what is just — I want our rights to be acknowledged and upheld. Do we not have the right to live in the place where we were born? I believe there should be a process of demilitarization of the region but above all, we must focus on what we are fighting for. Right now, our primary goal is the recognition of our fundamental rights.
If the ongoing situation causes harm or impedes those rights, then we must reconsider and see how things evolve. We are committed to non-violence; our struggle is against violence and injustice. Our aim is to find a peaceful way forward that ensures justice and peace for everyone involved.
Given the international support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and the ICJ advisory opinion, what steps will you take to ensure the UK respects these rulings and addresses the suffering of the Chagossian community?
Mauritius has proactively brought the case before several prominent international bodies, including the United Nations General Assembly. In a historic vote, 94 countries supported Mauritius, with only 15 opposing, demonstrating overwhelming international backing for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Following this consensus, the case was referred to the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial authority in the world.
The ICJ heard arguments from both parties and considered statements from various nations. Ultimately, the Court issued an advisory opinion affirming that sovereignty over the Chagos Islands remains with Mauritius. This ruling underscore the importance of respecting international law and the principles of sovereignty and justice.
In light of these developments, I respectfully urge Mrs. Priti Patel, a member of the Conservative Party and Mr. Nigel Farage, the reform UK leader, to recognize the legitimacy of the international rulings and take the necessary steps to end the suffering of the Chagossian community. It is essential that the UK government adhere to the rule of law and work towards a fair and just resolution for the displaced people of the Chagos Archipelago.
Do you believe a fair settlement is possible soon?
Absolutely. However, we recognize that there are several steps to take before reaching a fair resolution. The process will require careful evaluation and assessment. This includes site visits by experts and consultants to examine infrastructure, housing, public utilities, wastewater management, renewable energy sources and other critical aspects.
There is a significant amount of work to be done to lay the groundwork for this project of resettlement. While the path may be challenging, I remain hopeful that with concerted effort and cooperation, a just and sustainable solution can be achieved in the near future.
What sacrifices have you personally made for this cause?
The most precious sacrifice I have made is my family. I committed myself wholeheartedly to this struggle because I believe that this fight is justified. I want to emphasize that I am fighting for the fundamental rights that every human being deserves.
I am deeply grateful for the strong support from my family, especially my children, who understood that this fight was for a just cause and driven by good intentions — for the best interests of future generations. Their understanding and support have been invaluable throughout this journey.
How do you respond to those who see the Chagos issue as purely political?
We have always maintained a neutral political stance. Our approach is to work with whichever government is in power, as it is not the Chagossian community that chooses the government — that is the decision of the Mauritian population through their democratic process.
We cannot go against the tide; instead, we must collaborate with the government elected by the people. This has been our consistent approach. However, we are not partisan towards any political party. Our focus remains on our fundamental rights and our dignity, which are what truly matter in our fight.
What is your vision for long-term justice and reconciliation for the Chagossians?
I believe strongly in myself and in our fight. I have never given up and I never will. My inspiration comes from leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, who fought tirelessly and never lost hope.
Drawing from their example, I am confident that the day is not far when the Chagossians will be able to return to their native land. This vision of justice and reconciliation keeps me hopeful and committed to our cause.
How do you see the future of the Chagos archipelago?
Our future is very promising. It’s not only about what we will do at Chagos but also about creating jobs and protecting the environment, which are interconnected.
We envisage the development of a 650,000 square kilometer maritime zone for fishing, the preservation and sustainable use of the 3,500 hectares of coconut plantations and providing opportunities for people who have heard about Chagos but have never visited — giving them the chance to experience its beauty.
It is also important to preserve the traditional essence of the Chagos Archipelago, ensuring that its cultural heritage remains alive as we move forward.
Any specific message you wish to convey about the Chagos issue?
We should learn from the very basic. I respect the young people who want to be part of Chagos but we must stay grounded. It is essential to remember that those who suffered this injustice are the native Chagossians, who were uprooted from their homeland.
They should be given priority and the opportunities they deserve. The natives were well settled, working and earning in their homeland. Therefore, the first step must be to ensure that the native Chagossians are compensated and supported.
Our future depends on respecting and uplifting those who have been wronged.
This interview has been published in Mauritius Now Newspaper, UK