“Not a Grain of Sand Will Be Surrendered,” President Muizzu

News

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has firmly asserted that not a single grain of sand from Maldivian soil, nor the smallest atom of its territory, will ever be surrendered.

The President made the statement while delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People’s Majlis this morning.

Speaking on national sovereignty, the President addressed the United Kingdom’s decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius. He revealed that the Maldivian Government formally submitted written objections to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026, rejecting the decision. He further noted that during a telephone call on 15 December 2025 with British Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon David Lammy, the Maldives requested further consultations on the issue.

The President confirmed that the Government has also informed Mauritius and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) of its strong opposition to any Mauritian economic activities in the Chagos region that could harm the Maldivian economy, particularly fisheries and tourism.

Addressing the maritime boundary dispute, President Muizzu announced that legal action has begun to recover maritime territory lost following a ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). He stated that the Government has decided to rescind a letter sent by the former President to the Mauritian Prime Minister on 22 August 2022. Reaffirming the Maldives’ position, he stressed that under the Maritime Zones Act, the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains unchanged and includes the disputed area.

Following advice from international experts who found that certain past decisions caused irreparable harm to the State, the President announced the establishment of a dedicated office for matters relating to national territories. He also revealed that a Commission of Inquiry will be formed under Article 115(o) of the Constitution to investigate those decisions, determine accountability, and prevent similar actions in the future.

On national defence, the President outlined plans to double the Coast Guard’s capacity, including commissioning 17 additional interceptor craft and a new naval ship this year. He added that funding has been secured for two harbour craft patrol vessels and that the second MNDF Air Station in Sh. Funadhoo will become operational this year. Strengthening fire and rescue services, emergency operations, logistics, personnel accommodation, and administrative governance will also be prioritised throughout 2026.

In foreign policy, President Muizzu said the Maldives will continue to strengthen relations with neighbouring countries and Islamic nations, while expanding international cooperation to secure trade and economic opportunities. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ active role on United Nations platforms and its principled stance on global humanitarian issues, including opposition to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

The President concluded by affirming that the Maldives will remain at the forefront of international efforts to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.