Correction of “great injustice”: Catholic Bishop Hails UK’s Accord to Cede Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Through the signing of this agreement, Bishop Durhône continues in his statement, “a new chapter in our history has begun.”

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude. The Chagossian people will be reunited with their land. They were — and still are — a people with a unique cultural identity, shaped by the joys and challenges of island life,” he says.

The Mauritian Catholic Church leader, who was consecrated Bishop of Port Louis Diocese in August 2023, further praises the resilience of the Chagossian community, honouring “the great Chagossian women, now departed, who held high the torch of the struggle with dignity and without ever losing heart.”

He also extends a message of healing to those still grappling with the trauma of displacement, saying, “Let us pray that this agreement may be a path of healing for our Chagossian sisters and brothers.”

Looking forward, the Mauritian Catholic Bishop emphasizes the Church’s role in accompanying returnees.

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He says referring to expected returnees, “This agreement will also offer the Church an opportunity to accompany them to the graves of their ancestors and to restore places of worship. I will be personally very happy to celebrate Mass on the archipelago.”

“May God continue to watch over our islands,” Bishop Durhône implores in his May 22 statement.