President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the decision to retract a 2022 letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to Mauritius, which acknowledged Mauritius’ sovereign authority over the Chagos Archipelago.

The announcement was made during President Muizzu’s annual address to Parliament on Thursday. He reiterated that the Maldives is geographically closer, historically connected, and legally better placed than Mauritius to assert sovereignty over the islands, known locally as Foalhavahi, noting that Maldivian fishermen have fished in the area for centuries.

The letter, sent on August 22, 2022, ahead of a UN General Assembly vote on the Chagos issue, had stated that the Maldives would support a resolution backing decolonization and self-determination. President Muizzu accused the previous administration of deliberately surrendering part of the Maldives’ maritime territory.

He also announced the formation of a presidential inquiry commission to investigate decisions taken by the former administration regarding Chagos, and said steps are being taken to recover the Maldives’ maritime rights in the disputed area.