Maldives Ex-President Condemns UK's Chagos Islands Transfer to Mauritius

In a controversial move, the United Kingdom has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the Peros Banhos Atoll, to Mauritius. This decision has sparked criticism from former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who expressed his disapproval on social media platform 'X'.

Nasheed vehemently opposed the UK's action, asserting that the Maldives has a "clear claim" over the territory. He described the policy as "deeply misguided," emphasizing that the UK should not have relinquished control of the Peros Banhos Atoll to Mauritius.

The agreement between the UK and Mauritius was announced in a joint statement on Thursday. Notably, the decision was reportedly supported by India, the Maldives' closest neighbor, and the United States of America.

The Peros Banhos Atoll, part of the Chagos Archipelago, is a moderately-sized coral atoll that was previously inhabited. Spanning an impressive 503 square kilometers (approximately 194 square miles), the atoll consists of 32 small islands. However, its total land area is a mere 9.6 square kilometers (about 3.7 square miles).

Interestingly, the Peros Banhos Atoll bears a striking resemblance to the atolls found in the Maldives. It features sandy beaches on all its islands, which are predominantly covered in coconut palms. The atoll is encircled by a common coral reef, adding to its natural beauty and ecological significance.

This transfer of sovereignty marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region, potentially impacting the interests of multiple nations, including the Maldives. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect regional dynamics and relationships between the countries involved.