Tensions over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago continue to escalate amid increased diplomatic and legal initiatives by the Maldives. The latter are indeed taking steps to assert their claims, working in particular on a legal procedure with a view to reclaiming Chagos. At the same time, a few days ago, London rejected Malé’s official request to open negotiations with a view to a possible retrocession of the archipelago to the Maldives.
In this context, Seychelles positions itself as a mediation player. The Seychelles President, Patrick Herminie, expressed, during a press briefing, his country’s desire to contribute to a diplomatic solution between Mauritius and the Maldives, while unambiguously clarifying Victoria’s position. “The Maldives claims that Chagos belongs to them. We reject this claim and have made this clear to Mauritius. At the same time, we received a request that Seychelles take the lead in proposing an amicable solution between the two countries. Our position is positive, as we maintain relations with both the Maldives and Mauritius. We are therefore ready to play a role in reaching an amicable solution,” declared the Seychelles President.
This position comes at a time when relations between Port-Louis and Malé have clearly deteriorated. Mauritius suspended its diplomatic relations with the Maldives a few weeks ago, after the latter withdrew their recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago, although reaffirmed on the international scene.
For their part, the Maldivian authorities justify their position by the geographical proximity of the archipelago and by historical links that they consider relevant. They thus oppose the proposed agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius aimed at transferring control of Chagos to Port-Louis.
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