A seven-member commission will investigate alleged legal negligence and decisions by state officials in ITLOS Case No. 28, following what the government describes as significant and irrecoverable losses to the Maldives’ maritime territory.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has established a seven-member Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate the Maldives’ handling of its maritime boundary dispute with Mauritius before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The commission was established under Presidential Decree No. 2026/17, exercising the powers vested in the President under Article 115(o) of the Constitution. The establishment of the commission follows President Muizzu’s announcement during his Presidential Address on 5 February 2026.

The inquiry will focus on the actions and decisions of state officials, government employees, advisers and other authorities involved in ITLOS Case No. 28, which concerned the delimitation of the maritime boundary and continental shelf between the Maldives and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

According to the government, the Maldives suffered significant and irrecoverable losses as a result of the proceedings. Reports prepared by international experts appointed to examine the case reportedly concluded that actions taken by the Maldives resulted in the loss of a substantial maritime area, with serious implications for the country's fisheries, marine wealth and seabed resources.

The commission has been specifically mandated to investigate whether legal negligence occurred among state employees, advisers and officials who were directly or indirectly involved in the case. It will also examine the extent of any such negligence and establish the responsibilities of the parties concerned.

In addition, the commission will scrutinize how documents and records relating to the proceedings were maintained and preserved, as well as other matters connected to the case.

The inquiry will have the authority to recommend appropriate measures against individuals or parties found accountable. It will also propose institutional and administrative changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in future.

Uz Ahmed Shakir (ODRDD) has been appointed as President of the seven-member commission. Other members are Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, Dr Aminath Shafiya Adam, Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Sadiq, Ahmed Ali Maniku and Fathimath Minhath Izzath.

The maritime dispute was adjudicated by a special chamber of ITLOS, which delivered its judgment on 28 April 2023. The case concerned competing claims over the maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean, including the area surrounding the Chagos Archipelago.

In his 2026 Presidential Address, President Muizzu stated that the previous administration's position during the proceedings resulted in the relinquishment of a substantial portion of the Maldives' southern maritime territory. He also said that he had instructed the Attorney General on 19 November 2023 to conduct a comprehensive review of the ITLOS judgment and pursue legal measures to recover the maritime territory.

The President further stated that an expert-led review had been completed and that the government had initiated a legal process to reclaim the relinquished portion of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Special Presidential Commission will remain in operation until the President formally declares its mandate complete.

The findings of the inquiry are expected to shed further light on the decisions and handling of one of the most consequential maritime legal disputes involving the Maldives, including whether state officials failed in their legal responsibilities and whether accountability measures are warranted.