The Maldives has staked a surprise claim to the Chagos Islands, challenging ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over the strategically vital territory.
President Mohamed Muizzu has sent a formal letter to the British government requesting that sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago be transferred to the Maldives instead of Mauritius.
The Maldivian leader argues that the islands have stronger historical and cultural ties to his nation than any other country.
The unexpected intervention comes as Britain and Mauritius are attempting to finalise their own treaty over the future of the territory.
President Mohamed Muizzu has issued a claim over the islands
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“The ancient writings of our sultans show that the Chagos are more connected to the Maldives than to any other nation,” President Muizzu said.
Details of the communication remain under wraps, with the Maldivian president’s office rejecting a freedom of information request for the letter’s contents.
Officials cited Section 31 of the Right to Information Act, claiming disclosure could cause “irreversible damage.”
The new Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has rejected the previous agreement with Britain, saying it “would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect”.
Despite this setback, both countries released a joint statement on Friday affirming their commitment to finalising a deal “as quickly as possible.”
WATCH: Nigel Farage discusses Britain’s approach to the Chagos Islands
The Mauritian administration has submitted new suggestions to the UK, which has responded with counter-proposals.
The treaty aims to ensure “the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia” while recognising Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago.
The Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated by the UK and US, remains a crucial factor in the negotiations.
Senior figures in Donald Trump’s incoming administration have expressed doubts about the proposed handover.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned of “very deep disquiet” in the Trump administration regarding Diego Garcia’s future under the deal.
Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of State Sen. Marco Rubio has claimed the British handover to Mauritius poses a threat to US security given China’s influence in the region
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Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has claimed the British handover to Mauritius poses a threat to US security given China’s influence in the region.
Conservative MPs have warned against “rushing it through” before Trump re-enters the White House.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “The UK and Mauritius reached an agreement to secure the important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional and international security.
“We are confident that we have reached an agreement that meets our national security objectives, closes off a possible migration route, and respects the interests of the Chagossian people.”
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