Ex-presidents say joint effort will continue until govt responds

Former presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday stated that they would continue their joint political efforts until the administration of President Mohamed Muizzu responds to concerns raised by the opposition leaders.

The three former presidents signed an agreement following a consultative meeting held in Malé.

In a joint statement, they accused the government of infringing constitutional rights, influencing the judiciary, weakening the authority of the People’s Majlis and undermining the independence of state institutions.

The former leaders also raised concerns over press freedom and the detention of journalists linked to Adhadhu.

The comments followed the search of the news outlet’s office under a court order and the filing of charges against two senior executives after the publication released a documentary containing allegations against President Muizzu.

Two journalists from the outlet were also detained over allegations that they violated a Criminal Court order related to the case.

During a joint press conference, Yameen said the public was facing economic difficulties and argued that political leaders had a responsibility to respond to the situation.

The three former presidents jointly called for:

“It is distressing to see such court orders being issued. However, we remain committed to protesting these actions,” Yameen said.

He also called on the judiciary to revoke the existing court orders restricting discussion of the case.

Yameen stated that the three leaders intended to continue their cooperation through a long-term strategy until the government responded to their demands.

Responding to questions from journalists, the former presidents acknowledged shortcomings during their own administrations but argued that democratic standards in the Maldives had deteriorated.

Yameen also referred to economic issues, including inflation, access to goods and foreign currency shortages.

Solih said the three leaders had set aside political differences in order to address concerns relating to governance and constitutional rights.

He stated that protecting freedom of expression and press freedom was necessary to ensure accountability.

“We have agreed to do everything within our power, alongside the people, to resolve these issues,” Solih said.

According to Solih, the former presidents are prepared to participate in protests and continue public engagements if required.

Nasheed also called for the release of detained journalists and the withdrawal of charges against them.

He said the joint effort would focus on ensuring press freedom and protecting the ability of journalists to question the government without fear of legal action.

The three former presidents also identified broader concerns including rising living costs, government expenditure, delays in reforms, public trust in the management of state assets and what they described as weakening democratic principles.