Valuable minerals capable of overcoming the current financial challenges may exist within lost maritime territory: Shiyam

Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the Chagos marine area may contain mineral resources significant enough to resolve the Maldives' current financial challenges.

Speaking in the People's Majlis, Minister Shiyam stated that the previous administration "sold off" the country's maritime territory based solely on a letter sent by the President, without the consent of either the Parliament or the public.

Speaking on the Chagos maritime territory issue, the Minister stated that a specific assessment must be conducted to determine the exact extent of the area lost, noting that the resulting damages would be significant.

The Minister highlighted that fishermen from the south, in particular, venture far out to sea for their catch. He further noted that the ceded territory serves as a vital nursery and breeding ground for fish stocks.

Regarding the maritime territory that was signed away, I must emphasize that we need to calculate the full extent of the loss. What I do know is that the impact will be significant. Our fishermen, particularly those from the south, are known for venturing far out into the open sea to conduct their trade. We are specifically talking about a region that serves as a vital breeding ground for fish stocks.

Ahmed Shiyam

Despite the Minister's remarks, information previously released by the Coast Guard indicates that the area is not one typically frequented by Maldivian fishermen.

Minister Shiyam further stated that the composition of the seabed in the maritime area lost by the Maldives remains unknown, noting the potential presence of various valuable minerals.

Highlighting the need to assess the potential impact on the fishing industry, the Minister stated that the maritime area may contain mineral resources significant enough to alleviate the financial challenges currently facing the Maldives.

The Minister emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive study to assess the potential impact and losses to the fishing industry resulting from the activities in that area.

How can we possibly know what lies beneath those waters or what types of minerals are present there? It is entirely possible that these resources could have been enough to rescue us from our current financial hardships. Yet, the area was sold off without any knowledge of the wealth it contained.

Ahmed Shiyam

Despite President Muizzu and his administration’s claims that Chagos is part of Maldivian territory, his expressed support for continued British control over the archipelago highlights a clear contradiction in policy. Furthermore, as the administration passes its midterm without initiating any legal challenges against international court rulings or achieving any practical results, critics increasingly argue that the government's rhetoric on this issue is merely a political tool.