Gov’t Declines to Disclose Letter on Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer

The Maldivian government has declined to release a letter sent by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to the United Kingdom regarding the potential transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

Speaking at the official Republic Day celebrations, President Muizzu disclosed that he had written to the UK, asserting that transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to the Maldives would have been a preferable outcome.

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In response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Mihaaru News seeking access to the letter, the President’s Office refused to disclose the document. Citing Article 31 of the Right to Information Act, the government argued that releasing the letter could cause irrevocable damage. Article 31 grants state institutions discretion to withhold information if its disclosure is deemed to harm national interests.

The issue of Chagos Islands sovereignty has been contentious for decades. The previous administration faced significant criticism for its handling of the matter, particularly over a letter sent by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to Mauritius. Critics claimed that the letter, which was eventually leaked during the presidential election, influenced the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruling that favoured Mauritius’ claim to the Chagos Islands.

Opposition figures argued that the decision resulted in the Maldives losing part of its territorial waters. The ITLOS ruling followed a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which concluded that the islands belonged to Mauritius. The United Nations General Assembly also passed a resolution calling for the implementation of this decision.

In October, the UK and Mauritius issued a joint statement formalising the transfer of the Chagos Islands after two years of negotiations. This marked the end of British administration of the islands after more than five decades.

The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, holds significant strategic importance. Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, is leased to the United States for military operations. The base hosts naval ships, bombers, and long-haul aircraft, making it a critical asset for defence and surveillance activities in the region.

Muizzu’s letter underscores the Maldives’ interest in asserting a historical and cultural connection to the islands, although the content of the correspondence remains undisclosed.