Maldives says any Chagos transfer must reflect its own claim, not just Mauritius’s

The Maldives has challenged the proposed British transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, with President Mohamed Muizzu's administration arguing that Malé holds the more legitimate claim. The Maldivian government has lodged formal objections with London and warned that any arrangement between the UK and Mauritius cannot be treated as settled. Muizzu based the claim on historical ties, citing a 16th-century letter and map from King Hassan IX showing the archipelago within Maldives' boundaries. The President's Office stated that if the UK transfers administration, it should be vested in the Maldives. The UK agreed last year to transfer control to Mauritius while preserving the Diego Garcia military base, but the deal is not yet completed. Muizzu's stance marks a reversal from former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's 2022 letter supporting Mauritius. The Maldives has sent two letters and made a call to the British prime minister, and is preparing documentation for international authorities.

The Maldives has challenged the proposed British transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, with President Mohamed Muizzu's administration arguing that Malé holds the more legitimate claim. The Maldivian government has lodged formal objections with London and warned that any arrangement between the UK and Mauritius cannot be treated as settled. Muizzu based the claim on historical ties, citing a 16th-century letter and map from King Hassan IX showing the archipelago within Maldives' boundaries. The President's Office stated that if the UK transfers administration, it should be vested in the Maldives. The UK agreed last year to transfer control to Mauritius while preserving the Diego Garcia military base, but the deal is not yet completed. Muizzu's stance marks a reversal from former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's 2022 letter supporting Mauritius. The Maldives has sent two letters and made a call to the British prime minister, and is preparing documentation for international authorities.

The Maldives has challenged the proposed British transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, with President Mohamed Muizzu's administration arguing that Malé holds the more legitimate claim. The Maldivian government has lodged formal objections with London and warned that any arrangement between the UK and Mauritius cannot be treated as settled. Muizzu based the claim on historical ties, citing a 16th-century letter and map from King Hassan IX showing the archipelago within Maldives' boundaries. The President's Office stated that if the UK transfers administration, it should be vested in the Maldives. The UK agreed last year to transfer control to Mauritius while preserving the Diego Garcia military base, but the deal is not yet completed. Muizzu's stance marks a reversal from former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's 2022 letter supporting Mauritius. The Maldives has sent two letters and made a call to the British prime minister, and is preparing documentation for international authorities.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of chagos / sovereignty.