Attorney General Ahmed Usham has openly discussed the hurdles facing the Maldives in appealing the recent ruling from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). This ruling pertains to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) dispute with Mauritius. His comments come on the heels of the United Kingdom’s announcement regarding the transfer of sovereignty over Chagos Island, which has been under British control.
Strategic Changes Needed
During a press conference at the President’s Office, AG Usham emphasized the need for a complete reassessment of the Maldives' approach to the situation. He stated, “We face some challenges with the decision by the United Kingdom's government. The decision requires us to completely change the whole strategy. We are once again seeking advice from the team of experts and lawyers on how to proceed next.” His remarks underline the complexity of the situation and the need for careful planning moving forward.
ITLOS Ruling Breakdown
The ITLOS ruling has significant implications for the Maldives and Mauritius. It allocated a contested area of approximately 95,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean, dividing it almost evenly between the two nations. The Maldives was granted control over 47,232 square kilometres, while Mauritius received 45,331 square kilometres. Following this ruling, the Maldivian government expressed serious concerns about potential territorial losses and has vowed to initiate the appeal process within the first 100 days of its administration.
Chagos Islands and Their Importance
The Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, have been a point of contention for decades. Recently, these islands were ceded to Mauritius after nearly 50 years of British administration. This transfer was the result of two years of negotiations, which were influenced by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ stated that the islands rightfully belong to Mauritius, a ruling that was backed by a vote from the United Nations General Assembly.
The strategic importance of the Chagos Islands cannot be overstated. Diego Garcia hosts a significant U.S. military base, which plays a crucial role in naval operations and serves as a hub for long-haul aircraft and bombers. The U.S. has leased this part of the Chagos Archipelago for an extended period, reinforcing its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
