The government is preparing to hand over efforts to reclaim a disputed portion of the Maldives’ maritime territory to international legal experts, Attorney General Ahmed Usham has confirmed.
Speaking at a press briefing at the President’s Office, Usham said the process of appointing foreign lawyers is currently underway, following recommendations from a legal review conducted by an international team. The findings of that review have already been presented to the Cabinet, which has decided on the next steps.
The move is part of a broader effort by the administration of President Mohamed Muizzu to pursue the recovery of what it describes as lost maritime territory, a key pledge made during his presidential campaign.
According to the government, the dispute stems from earlier legal proceedings in which the Maldives reportedly lost part of its southern maritime area. Officials have previously stated that the case was initially brought to arbitration by Mauritius, and that there had been an opportunity to appeal the outcome.
However, the current administration maintains that the former government shifted the case to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) prematurely, resulting in an outcome unfavorable to the Maldives.
Authorities also noted that approximately MVR 37 million had been spent on legal proceedings related to the case at the time.
The Attorney General said the government now intends to take the matter forward at the international level, with specialized legal teams expected to lead the effort. He added that further details on progress are likely to be shared in the coming weeks.
While acknowledging the challenges involved in reopening or advancing the case, officials say the government remains committed to pursuing all available avenues.
The administration has also taken steps to reverse certain past decisions linked to the case, including withdrawing a letter previously sent to Mauritius, which President Muizzu has described as inconsistent with legal procedures.
The President has further indicated that action may be taken against individuals found responsible for decisions that resulted in losses to the state in relation to the maritime dispute.
