The Maldives has formally withdrawn a letter sent in 2022 backing Mauritius’ position on the Chagos Archipelago, signalling a major shift in its foreign policy stance under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, President Muizzu confirmed that his government has revoked the communication issued on 22 August 2022 by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. That letter had supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.
The decision was announced earlier today during the Presidential Address at the opening of the first session of the Parliament.
Since taking office in November 2023, the Muizzu administration says it has conducted a comprehensive review of decisions taken by the previous government in the case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. That case concerns the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
According to the President’s letter, the former administration’s change of position during the proceedings had a detrimental impact on the Maldives’ interests. The government says the shift was sudden, unjustified, and carried out without due process.
Citing constitutional authority, President Muizzu announced that a national inquiry will be established to investigate the matter.
The Maldivian government also pointed to what it describes as historical evidence of longstanding ties between the Maldives and “Foalhavahi,” part of the Chagos Archipelago. This includes references to a 16th century royal decree asserting Maldivian sovereignty, as well as centuries of maritime links in the region.
Despite the move, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to constructive engagement with Mauritius and other international partners. He said the government would continue to seek a fair and balanced solution in line with international law, while protecting regional stability in the Indian Ocean and the long-term interests of the Maldivian people.