Muizzu ‘brewing a coup’ by taking council land, Nasheed says

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has accused President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of “brewing a coup” through changes to the decentralisation system and proposed legislation that would expand the government’s authority to take over land under local council jurisdiction.

Nasheed, Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), made the remarks on Saturday night while speaking at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the resettlement of GDh. Thinadhoo.

His speech focused on the history of the southern atolls and the circumstances that led to the formation of a breakaway state in the south.

Nasheed said restrictions imposed by the central government on trading vessels from the southern atolls had affected livelihoods, including requirements for vessels travelling overseas to first call at Malé.

“The people of this island and this atoll did not rise up in protest without reason,” Nasheed said.

He said discussions between the Maldivian government and the British later resulted in arrangements that recognised the need for administration and decision-making at atoll level.

“The Maldivian state strongly acknowledged that the administration, decision-making and affairs of the atolls must be run by individuals elected by the people of those atolls — not by appointees selected by a central government in Malé,” Nasheed said.

Referring to the history of Thinadhoo and the southern atolls, Nasheed called on President Muizzu to consider the consequences of reducing the powers of local councils.

Parliament is considering an amendment to the Decentralisation Act that would expand the government’s authority to take over land and buildings under the jurisdiction of island and city councils.

Nasheed linked the proposed changes with the government’s earlier decision to abolish atoll councils.

“President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, you are once again brewing a real coup. You are working to tear the Maldives apart,” Nasheed said at the event, which was also attended by former President Abdulla Yameen.

Nasheed said the public would oppose measures that reduce the authority of island and city councils.

“The Maldivian public will not remain indifferent to this. Dr Muizzu, the people of the Maldives will rise up. They will not allow this country to move backward,” he said.

Nasheed also referred to the events surrounding the southern secession and the attack on Thinadhoo in 1962.

On 4 February 1962, Thinadhoo was attacked under orders from then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir as the central government sought to restore its authority over the south. The island’s population was subsequently evacuated and Thinadhoo was depopulated.

Thinadhoo was re-established as an inhabited island on 22 August 1966, allowing residents to return.

Nasheed apologised for the events during his speech in his capacity as a former head of state. He had also issued a state apology over the treatment of Thinadhoo during his presidency.