AG Usham Denies Riffath Leaked State Documents in Chagos Case

Attorney General Ahmed Usham has denied allegations that former Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath shared confidential state documents with foreign parties in connection with the Chagos Islands dispute before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Usham was questioned during Monday’s parliamentary sitting by Mohamed Shahid, the ruling party MP for Hulhudhoo. Shahid referred to rumours circulating during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, which suggested that Riffath may have provided sensitive materials to a foreign entity in a way that could harm the Maldives’ interests.

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“I don’t think any documents have been provided to foreigners. We have been examining this matter since taking office and will take the necessary actions within our government. Efforts are already in progress to resolve this issue,” Usham said.

Members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have also alleged that officials from the previous administration accepted bribes in connection with the case. Usham neither confirmed nor denied these claims, stating that a definitive response would be issued once the Attorney General’s Office concludes its review.

Background: ITLOS and the Chagos Issue

The legal dispute concerns the maritime boundary between the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago — a territory administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Mauritius. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK should end its administration of the islands. The UN General Assembly then called on member states to support Mauritius’ claim to Chagos.

Mauritius subsequently brought the case before ITLOS to determine its maritime boundary with the Maldives. The matter became politically and legally sensitive in Malé due to its implications for sovereignty, maritime rights and diplomatic relations.

A key line of argument by the Maldives questioned whether Mauritius had fully established sovereignty over the territory, and asserted that the issue of sovereignty should be resolved before maritime boundaries could be determined. However, a later agreement between the UK and Mauritius weakened the Maldives’ legal position by signalling a shift in control of the islands.

Government Position and Political Response

The current administration has pledged to challenge the ITLOS ruling within its first 100 days in office. Authorities have not yet finalised a position, but President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has disclosed that the government has written to the British government disputing its decision to transfer sovereignty of Chagos to Mauritius.

Although the existence of the letter has been acknowledged — including during the official Republic Day event — neither the letter nor related documents have been made public. Requests for disclosure have been refused, including through a Right to Information (RTI) application, with the President’s Office deciding against publication.

Ibrahim Riffath, who served as Attorney General under the MDP government, represented the Maldives during the initial stages of the ITLOS proceedings. Critics of the previous administration argue that its legal stance may have weakened the Maldives’ maritime claims or inadvertently recognised Mauritian sovereignty. However, no evidence supporting allegations of misconduct has been presented.

The current government maintains that it is reviewing the actions taken during the proceedings and will provide further details once internal assessments are complete.