Why the Maldives Deserves the Chagos Islands

 When the UK and Mauritius signed a sovereignty deal over the Chagos Archipelago in May 2025, many assumed the dispute was settled. Yet the Republic of Maldives firmly rejects this agreement. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has repeatedly insisted that the Maldives holds the “most legitimate claim” to the islands, citing historical, geographical, and documentary evidence.



At a press briefing on 2 March 2026, Muizzu referenced a 16th‑century map and royal letters showing Chagos within Maldivian maritime boundaries, emphasizing that “any transfer of authority ought rightfully to be vested in the Maldives.” The Maldives also lodged formal objections on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026 and raised the issue directly with UK officials.

Geography strengthens the Maldives’ case: the Chagos Archipelago lies roughly 500 km south of Malé, compared with over 2,000 km from Mauritius, making proximity a key factor in any fair assessment of sovereignty. Muizzu has even proposed that the Maldives could host the US military base on Diego Garcia under its sovereignty, blending principle with pragmatism.

History supports the Maldives further: the UK detached Chagos from Mauritius in 1965, before Mauritian independence, a move later deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice in 2019. This, combined with centuries of Maldivian seafaring and seasonal ties to the islands, strengthens the moral and legal argument for Maldivian sovereignty.

In a world where decolonisation and justice should guide decisions, proximity, history, and regional legitimacy make it clear: the Chagos Archipelago belongs to the Maldives.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2026 at 7:39 AM

    Great article. There is no doubt that the rightful owners of The Chagos are the Maldivians. Keep up the good work. Masha Allah.

    ReplyDelete

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