President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has amended the composition of the special commission established to investigate the Maldives’ handling of the maritime boundary dispute with Mauritius at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The commission was established on 1 November under Article 115(g) of the Constitution to investigate the Maldives’ handling of ITLOS Case No. 28, following concerns over the loss of a significant portion of the country’s maritime territory.

Under the latest presidential decree, Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed has been appointed as the commission’s new chair, replacing Kashimaa Ahmed Shakir. Captain Ahmed Zubair and former Assistant Prosecutor General Aishath Fazna Ahmed have also been appointed as members, replacing Shakir and Abdulaziz Yusuf.

The commission’s current members are:

  • Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed (Chair)
  • Captain Ahmed Zubair
  • Dr Aminath Shafiya Adam
  • Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Sadiq
  • Ahmed Aleem Manik
  • Fathimath Minhath Izzath
  • Aishath Fazna Ahmed

The President’s Office said the commission was established after reports by international experts appointed to examine the case indicated that the Maldives had lost a substantial portion of its maritime territory due to the State’s handling of the proceedings. The loss has had serious implications for the country’s fisheries and marine resources.

The commission is tasked with investigating the handling of the case, examining how related documents were maintained and safeguarded, identifying those who should be held accountable and recommending appropriate legal action.

It is also mandated to propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The commission will remain in place until the President determines that its work has been completed.