Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
MAURITIUS
UK pauses Chagos deal amid US opposition
On 11 April, Al Jazeera reported that the United Kingdom has shelved plans to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing a lack of support from Donald Trump. The proposed deal would have transferred sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to lease the strategic Diego Garcia to maintain US military operations. UK officials said the agreement would only proceed with US backing, as the base remains central to joint security interests. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming the territory, calling it a matter of decolonisation and justice. The move reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with the future of the islands tied to military strategy, colonial legacy, and international legal pressure, including a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice. (“UK to hold off on deal ceding Chagos Islands amid US opposition,” Al Jazeera, 11 April 2026)
NIGERIA
Nigeria convicts hundreds in mass terrorism trial
On 11 April, Africa News reported that a court in Abuja convicted more than 300 terrorism suspects following a four-day mass trial in Nigeria. Authorities said 386 convictions were secured out of 508 cases, with many defendants pleading guilty and receiving sentences of up to 20 years in prison. The trial is part of efforts to address Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis, particularly in the north, where groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue to operate. Officials described the proceedings as a signal of accountability, though concerns remain over the scale and fairness of such trials. The convictions come amid ongoing violence, displacement, and humanitarian challenges linked to insurgency, banditry, and communal conflict across the country. (“300 convictions: Nigeria sees mass trial for terrorism suspects,” Africa News, 11 April 2026)