The Government of Maldives has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim the lost portion of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives has officially lodged a protest against the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. The President emphasized that historical and archaeological evidence substantiates that the islands are part of the Maldives. Furthermore, the government has decided to rescind the letter sent by the previous administration, which resulted in the loss of Maldivian maritime territory. A “Commission of Inquiry” is also set to be established to investigate those responsible for the negligence surrounding this decision and to ensure accountability.
In addition to submitting necessary legislative amendments to Parliament to safeguard the nation’s maritime boundaries, the government has decided to create a specialized agency to oversee these matters. President Muizzu highlighted that the Chagos Archipelago is geographically closer to the Maldives than to Mauritius. He further noted that evidence, including gravestones inscribed with Dhivehi characters found on the islands and DNA studies, confirms a profound historical connection to the Maldivian people. Consequently, the President has provided assurances that the government will exhaust all legal avenues to uphold and protect the sovereign rights of the Maldives.
