Diego Garcia, an isolated island in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning natural beauty with lush greenery and white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal blue waters. However, this paradise is strictly off-limits to most civilians as it houses a highly secretive UK-US military base that has been shrouded in mystery for decades.
Administered from London, Diego Garcia is at the center of a territorial dispute between the UK and Mauritius, with negotiations intensifying in recent weeks. Despite its remote location and strict access restrictions, the BBC was granted unprecedented access to the island to cover a historic court case involving Sri Lankan Tamil migrants stranded there for years.
The journey to Diego Garcia is challenging, with no commercial flights or easy access by sea. Permits are required for entry, and only granted to those with military or British authority connections. Journalists have historically been barred from the island, highlighting the level of secrecy surrounding the military base.
Despite facing stringent restrictions during their visit, the BBC was able to uncover revealing details about the island, showcasing the unique blend of British and American influences in its infrastructure and culture. While the atmosphere on the island may seem relaxed with recreational activities and amenities available, reminders of the military presence are constant.
Diego Garcia’s natural beauty and marine biodiversity contrast with its troubled history, marked by the forced eviction of the island’s original population to make way for the military base. The island’s past continues to influence its present, with ongoing legal battles and tensions surrounding access to the secretive military facility.