Maldives is not a country belonging to President Muizzu, whose support is below 30 percent: Nasheed
Following former President Mohamed Nasheed’s remarks expressing readiness to seek a peaceful resolution to the Chagos archipelago dispute through dialogue with Mauritius, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging adherence to established foreign policy. In response, Nasheed asserted that scrutinizing government policy is a fundamental responsibility of the opposition and emphasized the need for the accountable use of foreign aid. Furthermore, following a meeting with the Mauritian Foreign Minister, Nasheed called on the government to seize the opportunity to resolve the ongoing bilateral issues between the two nations.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. | mihaaru
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the Maldives belongs to all its citizens and is not the exclusive domain of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, which he claimed currently holds less than 30 percent public support.
Nasheed made these remarks in a post on X on Sunday, following a statement issued by the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. The Ministry's statement came after Mauritius expressed its readiness to engage in discussions with the Maldives to find a peaceful resolution to the Chagos dispute.
The statement urged the exercise of utmost caution and wisdom when discussing matters that impact national interests and foreign relations. It further emphasized that the government’s foreign policy is rooted in the "Maldives First" principle, which prioritizes the protection of national sovereignty, the advancement of national interests, and the safeguarding of human rights.
In response to the statement, Nasheed asserted that reviewing, understanding, and critiquing the government's foreign policy—as well as all other state policies—is the primary responsibility of an opposition political party.
Emphasizing that the Maldives belongs to all its citizens, Nasheed stated that the country is not the exclusive domain of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, which he noted currently holds an approval rating of less than 30 percent.
Furthermore, Nasheed stated that the government must exercise responsibility in utilizing financial aid and loans provided by friendly nations.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday upon his return from the Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) in New Delhi, Nasheed stated that Mauritius is prepared to engage in discussions with the Maldivian government to seek a peaceful resolution to the Chagos dispute, despite the current severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Nasheed stated that he met and held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Mauritius during his visit. He noted that when he requested to discuss the ongoing dispute between the Maldives and Mauritius, the Mauritian Foreign Minister expressed his readiness to engage in those talks.
Nasheed further stated that he hopes the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seize this opportunity and move forward in cooperation with the Mauritian government.
Mauritius has decided to sever ties with the Maldives due to the latter's refusal to recognize Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and its opposition to the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius to transfer the archipelago. Despite international court rulings affirming Mauritius's sovereign rights over Chagos, President Muizzu announced on February 5th that his administration would not abide by those decisions.
