President Calls Mauritius’ Diplomatic Break ‘Immature’, Reaffirms Chagos Claim

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu described Mauritius’ decision to sever diplomatic ties with the Maldives as “immature” and “naive”, reaffirming that the Maldives will not alter its position on its claim to the Chagos Islands.

Speaking at a press conference today, President Muizzu said a cabinet committee established to handle the matter is working closely with foreign experts and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). He said the government will submit the case to the relevant authorities.

“Regarding Mauritius’ decision, Mauritius’ ending diplomatic relations with the Maldives is an immature and naive decision that does not make sense. Just because they made this decision does not change the truth. Cutting diplomatic ties with the Maldives does not mean Mauritius would get the rights to something that does not rightfully belong to them,” he said.

President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ claim to the Chagos archipelago, stating that if sovereignty over the islands is transferred, it should be handed over to what he described as their rightful owner, the Maldives.

“This fact does not change just because another country cuts ties with us,” he said.

He added that Mauritius made the decision unilaterally, without prior discussions.

“Very naive, very immature. The Maldives’ stand has not changed. The Maldives will be going forward with the Maldives First Policy,” he said.

On Friday, the Mauritian cabinet announced the immediate suspension of diplomatic relations, citing the Maldives’ refusal to recognise Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and its objections to a draft agreement under which the United Kingdom is preparing to transfer control of the territory.

The longstanding sovereignty dispute over the Chagos archipelago has now escalated into a formal diplomatic rupture, with Mauritius suspending relations in response to Malé’s rejection of its claim.