Muizzu Says Maldives Holds Primary Claim Over Chagos Islands

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that the return of the Chagos Archipelago is of greater rightful claim to the Maldives than to Mauritius, stressing that the territory historically belongs to the Maldivian state.

In an interview with a British tabloid, President Muizzu stated that the strongest legal and historical claim over Chagos rests with the Maldives, adding that the government has formally conveyed this position to the British authorities. He did not, however, disclose further details of the communication.

The President said historical records and documentation clearly show that Chagos has long been linked to the Maldives, noting that the islands were traditionally connected to the Maldivian state. He added that based on these historical ties, Maldives maintains that its claim to Chagos is stronger than that of any other country.

Muizzu reiterated that Chagos is closely connected to Maldivian history and geography, and that returning the territory to Maldives would be more appropriate than handing it over to another state.

The Chagos Archipelago, currently administered by the United Kingdom, has been at the centre of an international dispute over sovereignty, with Mauritius also claiming ownership following a ruling by the International Court of Justice calling on Britain to end its administration of the islands.