No confidence motion to be filed against govt. officials involved in Chagos dispute

Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Usham, a representative of Maldives National Party (MNP), has revealed a joint effort is underway by parliamentarians of all political parties apart from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to file a parliamentary no-confidence motion against government officials involved in the Chagos maritime border dispute.

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday by political parties and former attorney generals who are against the government’s stance in the Chagos dispute – Usham said that Maldivians did not benefit with respect to Chagos dispute in any way. Therewith, he stressed the government must take responsibility.

In this trajectory, Usham said a parliamentary no-confidence motion will be filed against government officials involved in the Chagos dispute within the next couple of days. He noted that more details of the work will be disclosed as it progresses.

Usham said that the Maldivian constitution sets down the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as 200 nautical miles beyond the baseline. Henceforth, he explained that the government should amend the law if they do not believe Maldives is entitled to that area.

“We are waiting to see how the government will act. If the current administration does not accept the constitution, why don’t they amend it? However, I am sure the government will not do so,” he said.

Usham also noted that despite filing a request last year with the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) urging the disclosure of the letter sent to Mauritian prime minister by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; the letter has not been disclosed to date.

“Came to know the last time I inquired about the letter that the committee chair instructed to leave the letter unattended,” he added.

Usham, describing the matter as of prominent concern to the public, critiqued the government for being reluctant to disclose the letter in spite.

He went on to state that Maldivians deserve to know why something they are entitled to have been let go of so easily by the government. He also raised the question as to what the Maldives and its citizens gained from this.

“Some party has gotten something. Our country got nothing. People have no idea what happened. Nevertheless, some party, gaining something, is out of question,” he said.

As per the government, Maldives was awarded the larger area in the Chagos dispute. They also state the maritime border dispute and the sovereign power over Chagos as separate issues.

A letter to Mauritian prime minister by President Solih confirmed informed of Maldives’ recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over Chagos.