In response to widespread public opposition against the previous administration’s decision to recognize Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has initiated formal efforts to reclaim the territory. As a primary step, the President has formally rejected the position stated in the letter sent by the former government to Mauritius, effectively withdrawing it and issuing a new official communication. Furthermore, a “Commission of Inquiry” has been established to investigate the potential damages incurred by the nation in this matter, while the government continues to pursue all necessary legal avenues.
To ensure the protection of the Maldives’ maritime boundaries, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has commenced continuous surveillance of the area using advanced drones and Coast Guard vessels. Historically, the connection between the Maldives and Chagos is well-documented, evidenced by tombstones inscribed with Dhivehi script found on the islands, traditional Maldivian folklore, and official administrative records dating back to the 16th century. Moreover, DNA analysis of the original inhabitants of Chagos reveals significant Maldivian ancestry, further reinforcing that the Maldives holds a stronger historical and ancestral link to the archipelago than Mauritius.
