From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 1m 40s
Chagos Court Ruling on Islanders' Rights
BIOT appeal court to decide if Chagossian camp on Ile du Coin is legal by 12 November 2026.
In brief
BIOT appeal court to decide if Chagossian camp on Ile du Coin is legal by 12 November 2026. The British Indian Ocean Territory's appeal court will rule on whether the March 2026 decision allowing Chagossians to camp on Ile du Coin stands by 12 November 2026. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Court Ruling Date
The BIOT Court of Appeal will hand down its judgment on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Case Background
Four Chagossians, including Louis Misley Mandarin, set up camp on Ile du Coin without a permit on 16 February 2026.
March 2026 Ruling
The court quashed Section 9 of the 2004 constitution order, which denied a right of abode, and ordered removal notices to be reconsidered.
Appeal Details
The BIOT Commissioner appeals the March 2026 ruling, which was heard on 15 to 17 July 2026.
Current Status
The effects of the March ruling are on hold until the appeal decision is made.
Sovereignty Context
The UK and Mauritius agreed on 4 November 2026 to work on a shared plan to resolve the Chagos dispute by year-end.
Island Location
Ile du Coin is an uninhabited island in the Peros Banhos atoll, 135 miles north of Diego Garcia.
Legal Outcome
A ruling that upholds the March decision keeps Chagossian residence open in court; a reversal allows removal notices to proceed.
What's Next
The court will publish the full judgment on its website and the BAILII database after the decision.
Key Players
Louis Misley Mandarin, self-proclaimed First Minister of the Chagos, is one of four claimants in the case.
Here's the gist
The British Indian Ocean Territory's appeal court will rule on whether the March 2026 decision allowing Chagossians to camp on Ile du Coin stands by 12 November 2026.
