Chagossian

Chagossian refers to a person from the Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. The native population of the Chagos Archipelago, known as the Chagossians or Ilois, were forcibly removed by the British government between 1967 and 1973 to make way for a United States military base, Camp Justice, on the island of Diego Garcia. This displacement created a diaspora, with Chagossians resettling in Mauritius, Seychelles, and the United Kingdom.

The Chagossian people have a unique culture and history tied to the islands, which they inhabited for generations prior to their expulsion. Their struggle for the right to return to their homeland has been a significant international issue, with various legal and political campaigns advocating for their repatriation. International legal bodies and the United Nations have recognized the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, a stance supported by many nations. Despite these rulings, the United States military base remains operational. The Chagossian community continues to advocate for justice and the restoration of their ancestral lands.