Maldives President orders inquiry into maritime boundary dispute handling

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has established a seven-member commission to investigate the Maldives’ handling of its maritime boundary dispute with Mauritius. The inquiry focuses on Case No. 28 brought before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), which resulted in a ruling in April 2023 regarding the delimitation of maritime boundaries near the Chagos Archipelago.

The commission aims to determine if negligence by state officials, advisers, or government employees contributed to what the current administration describes as a significant and irreversible loss of maritime territory. These alleged losses impact the country’s interests in fisheries, marine resources, and seabed assets.

Chaired by Ahmed Shakir, the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry will review the legal advice received, the arguments presented during proceedings, and the preservation of related documents. The commission is tasked with identifying individuals whose actions may warrant further measures and recommending institutional reforms to prevent future maritime disputes.