Nasheed urges Mauritius dialogue but firm stance on Chagos

Former president Mohamed Nasheed has said the Maldives and Mauritius should engage in dialogue following Mauritius’ decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Maldives, while maintaining that the Maldives should not compromise its position on the Chagos Islands.

Mauritius announced the decision in cabinet resolutions released on Friday, stating that diplomatic relations were cut after the Maldives declined to recognise Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and maintained that the territory should belong to the Maldives.

The cabinet resolutions also noted that the Maldives has expressed opposition to the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

In a post on X, Nasheed said the decision by Mauritius to sever diplomatic relations with the Maldives was a matter of concern.

“I hope both countries will be able to discuss matters and resolve things amicably,” Nasheed said.

In a separate message sent to a WhatsApp group of tourism officials, Nasheed said the Maldives should engage in discussions with Mauritius, while adding that the Maldives should not retreat from its position.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Mauritius were established on 15 January 1981. The Maldives is represented in Mauritius through its diplomatic mission.

In his presidential address to Parliament earlier this year, President Mohamed Muizzu said the Maldives had decided to withdraw a letter sent by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the prime minister of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Islands.

President Muizzu also said the Maldives would not accept the ruling of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) regarding the maritime boundary in the southern region.

In addition, the President said he had written to the British prime minister stating that historical records indicate the Chagos Islands belong to the Maldives. He also said the Maldivian government had informed the United States that it would allow the continued operation of the military base on Diego Garcia if the Chagos Islands were returned to Maldivian sovereignty.