Exiled Chagos Islanders return without UK officials for first time

Fifty years since they were deported to Mauritius by the UK, Chagossians are still fighting for their homeland

Returning to their birthplace after decades of enforced exile, five Chagossians leapt from a motor launch on to the palm-shaded beach of Peros Banhos atoll on Saturday afternoon, kissed the pale sand and stood - hands joined together - in thanksgiving prayers.

For Olivier Bancoult, Lisbey Elyse, Marie Suzelle Baptiste, Rosemonde Bertin and Marcel Humbert, it was the moment they had long anticipated - the first time they could step ashore without close monitoring by British officials.