Amidst political upheaval in the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu has made a bold claim implicating his predecessor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, of succumbing to external influence. Without explicitly naming the foreign entity or diplomat involved, Muizzu asserted these allegations during an interview with Public Service Media (PSM), aired locally on Thursday evening.
In the lead-up to parliamentary elections, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), serving as the primary opposition, has intensified their critique of Muizzu across various fronts. Notably, recent procurement of military drones from Turkey has drawn significant scrutiny. Plans for establishing a drone base in Noonu Atoll’s Maafaru to oversee drone operations have also been set in motion.
Addressing concerns surrounding the drone acquisition, President Muizzu pointed out the MDP’s tenure from 2018 to 2023, during which they held a substantial majority in Parliament. Despite this dominance, Muizzu alleges the MDP failed to safeguard Maldives’ sovereignty, yielding control to external forces. Muizzu’s comments, as reported by Sun.mv, suggest President Solih acted at the behest of a foreign ambassador, resulting in detrimental consequences.
Expanding on this, Muizzu lamented the loss of independence across various spheres, including economic autonomy. He expressed determination to steer the nation back on course, aligning with the aspirations of the Maldivian populace towards a Dhivehi Raajje, translating to “Kingdom of the Dhivehi people” in the local language.
Muizzu’s diplomatic engagements, including a visit to China, have raised eyebrows regarding potential partnerships in acquiring surveillance technology. Efforts towards implementing a comprehensive monitoring system for Maldivian waters further underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), despite its vast expanse.
Regarding the financial aspect of these endeavors, Muizzu emphasized the need for discretion in disclosing military expenditures, citing national security concerns. He underscored his reliance on advice from military leadership, prioritizing the nation’s security above all else.
Meanwhile, amidst political jousting, accusations fly from both the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration and the MDP. The former accuses the prior administration of undue reliance on India, while the latter criticizes the current regime for purportedly straining historical ties with India in favor of closer relations with China.
In a bold move early into his presidency, Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw military personnel from Maldives, citing a mandate from the Maldivian populace. This diplomatic shuffle reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region.
