Jennifer Penelope-Lebrasse, a Chagossian descendant, recently shared a poignant testimony about her grandmother, a native of the Chagos Archipelago, in the News from Overseas Territories – British Indian Ocean Territory. Her reflection, featured in “The Forgotten Voices of the Chagos Archipelago,” highlights the profound emotional ties and historical injustices endured by the Chagossians, who were forcibly displaced in the 1960s to accommodate a military base.

Many who were  born in the Archipelago have died in exile, as the remaining Chagossian natives still harboring hopes of returning to their homeland. The recent decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius complicates these dreams further. Penelope-Lebrasse recounts her grandmother’s desire to return to East Point, which was denied, while the term “Ilois” starkly reminds the Chagossians of their marginalized position in Mauritius.

She emphasizes the long history of her family’s roots in the Archipelago and underscores the necessity of including Chagossian voices in future discussions regarding their homeland. Penelope-Lebrasse passionately advocates for the recognition of natives and descendants as essential stakeholders in decisions about the Chagos Archipelago, asserting that their stories and struggles must not be overlooked as they continue to seek justice and representation in political dialogues.

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