President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially informed the Prime Minister of Mauritius of the Maldives’ decision to withdraw a letter issued on 22 August 2022 by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. 

The withdrawn letter had signaled a shift in the Maldives’ position regarding the UN General Assembly Resolution on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion concerning the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.

The move follows President Dr Muizzu’s announcement during his Presidential Address 2026 at the opening sitting of the 20th People’s Majlis. Since assuming office in November 2023, the administration has conducted a thorough review of the previous administration’s actions in the case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the maritime boundary dispute between Mauritius and the Maldives.

In his communication, President Dr Muizzu noted that the abrupt change in position by the former administration during ITLOS proceedings had harmed the Maldives’ interests, describing it as unreasonable, unjustified, and lacking due process. He further announced plans to establish a national enquiry under Article 115(o) of the Constitution to investigate the matter.

The Government also highlighted historical evidence of Maldivian ties to Foalhavahi, including a 16th-century royal decree asserting sovereignty over the archipelago and longstanding maritime interactions, reinforcing the Maldives’ legitimate interest in the governance of the Chagos Archipelago.

President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to working constructively with Mauritius and international partners to achieve a fair, balanced, and regionally stable solution, consistent with international law, while safeguarding the sustainability of the Indian Ocean and the interests of the Maldivian people.