Full Breakdown
Maldives Asserts Sovereignty Over Chagos Islands
1/22/2026, 11:32:43 PM
President Muizzu's Claims and Historical Context
Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has publicly asserted that the Maldives holds the strongest claim to the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a territory currently disputed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. In an interview with the British media outlet Express.co.uk, President Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives is geographically closer, historically connected, and legally better positioned than Mauritius to assert its claim. He stated that the Maldivian government has communicated its position to the British government, although the specifics of these discussions remain undisclosed.
The Chagos Islands, known as Foalhavahi in the Maldives, were severed from Mauritius by the UK prior to Mauritius gaining independence in 1968. The UK has maintained control over the islands, particularly Diego Garcia, which hosts a significant US military base. This control has been contested, with Mauritius claiming the islands based on international law and historical ties.
Recent Legal Developments
In recent years, the legal landscape surrounding the Chagos Islands has evolved. In 2021, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruled against the UK's claim to the archipelago, deeming it illegal. Despite this ruling, the UK has resisted compliance. In November 2022, the UK reached an agreement with Mauritius regarding the handover of the Chagos Islands, while retaining control of Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
The maritime boundary dispute between the Maldives and Mauritius was subsequently submitted to ITLOS, which in 2023 allocated 7,232 square kilometers to the Maldives and 45,331 square kilometers to Mauritius from the contested area of 95,563 square kilometers. President Muizzu's administration has pledged to appeal this decision, asserting that the Maldives is entitled to the entire contested area.
Criticism of Previous Administration
The current administration has criticized the former government, led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for allegedly compromising the Maldives' territorial claims. The opposition has accused the previous administration of unlawfully conceding maritime territory without public consultation and has pointed to a leaked letter that purportedly influenced the ITLOS ruling in favor of Mauritius. President Muizzu has established a committee, led by former Attorney General Mohamed Anil, to pursue the appeal against the ITLOS decision.
Official Statements and Responses
President Muizzu reiterated the Maldives' historical connections to the Chagos Islands, citing evidence such as a gravestone with Dhivehi inscriptions found in Chagos, which dates back 900 years, predating Mauritius' colonization. He stated, “Currently we have raised our claim and our concerns with the British government in official correspondence. I cannot disclose the content of these discussions, except to reiterate our confidence that the Maldives has the strongest claim over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Maldives asserts its claim based on historical connections and geographical proximity, the UK and Mauritius maintain their positions regarding sovereignty. The UK has historically ignored international rulings, including the 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that recommended Mauritius' claim to the Chagos Islands. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of colonial legacies and international law.
What's Next
The Maldives' government is preparing to appeal the ITLOS ruling, with the newly formed committee tasked with addressing the legal challenges ahead. The outcome of this appeal could significantly impact the Maldives' territorial claims and its relationship with both the UK and Mauritius.
