The United Kingdom says it has reached a "historic" deal to cede the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean to the Republic of Mauritius, thus surrendering the final colony of Britain's once-sprawling African empire.

The agreement to hand over the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius includes the tropical coral reef complex of Diego Garcia, where a military base used by both the UK and the US is located. This base plays a crucial role in the stability and security of the region.

The United Kingdom announced on Thursday that an agreement has been reached to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of dispute and negotiation over Britain’s last African colony.