The leader of the United Kingdom’s Reform Party, Nigel Farage, has stated that the Maldives has a stronger connection to the Chagos Archipelago than Mauritius. He made the remarks in the UK House of Commons.
In his address, Farage said the Maldives has historical links to Chagos through trade and archaeological connections. He claimed that the name “Chagos” was derived from a Maldivian term and later altered by the French. He added that there is no historical or cultural basis for Mauritius to claim the islands.
Earlier this year, the Maldives formally withdrew a letter sent in 2022 supporting Mauritius’ position on the Chagos Archipelago, marking a shift in foreign policy under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, President Muizzu confirmed that his government had revoked a communication issued on 22 August 2022 by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The earlier letter supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of separating the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.
Since taking office in November 2023, the Muizzu administration has said it conducted a comprehensive review of decisions made by the previous government in proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The case concerns the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
According to the President’s letter, the previous administration’s change of position during the proceedings adversely affected the Maldives’ interests. The government described the shift as sudden, unjustified and carried out without due process.
Citing constitutional authority, President Muizzu announced that a national inquiry would be established to investigate the matter.
The government also referred to what it described as historical evidence of longstanding ties between the Maldives and “Foalhavahi”, part of the Chagos Archipelago. This includes references to a 16th-century royal decree asserting Maldivian sovereignty and centuries of maritime links in the region.
Despite the policy shift, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to constructive engagement with Mauritius and other international partners. He stated that the government would continue to pursue a fair and balanced resolution in line with international law, while safeguarding regional stability in the Indian Ocean and the long-term interests of the Maldivian people.