Chagos Islands dispute: MRM opposes Gov't decision to vote in favor of Mauritius

Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) has opposed the administration's decision to vote in favor of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago dispute between and Mauritius and the United Kingdom.

MRM was established by the former Maldivian President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on 2019.

A statement made public by the party stated that there are a reasons why the Maldives has been against making the Chagos Archipelago a part of Mauritius. As such, the party highlighted that the Chagos Islands were not part of the country when Mauritius got its independence from the UK.

Additionally, MRM noted that making Chagos Islands a part of Mauritius will dwindle the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives. Noting that this will lead to a decrease in Maldives' natural resources, MRM highlighted that this was one of the reasons why the Maldives has been against handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The party stated that the decision may lead to losses in the country's fishing industry.

The statement went on to read that the Maldives constitution states that the country's EEZ extends 200 miles from its coast.

While it was recently found out than a settlement was reached with the UK to divide the territory equally between the two countries, in 1992, MRM went on to note that no previous administration has signed an agreement which will dwindle the EEZ of Maldives.

Questioning the administration's decision to vote in favor of Mauritius in the case, when it voted against them in 2019, MRM called on the administration to disclose the reasons for the change in its policy.

MRM went on to note that even the party was not informed of the shift in policy, despite being a member of the coalition government.

Highlighting that the country has experts in relevant fields, MRM expressed their displeasure in the administration's decision to change their stand without consulting with them. They also expressed concern that the administration did not ask the People's Majlis for an opinion before making the decision.

MRM concluded their statement by calling on the administration to disclose detailed information of the case and noting that the party will not support any decision that will hinder the sovereignty and integrity of the country.