Yameen warns of 'unwinnable war' if Ras Malé land is handed to Eagle Hills

Former President Abdulla Yameen has warned that handing over Maldivian land to foreign interests would trigger what he described as an "unwinnable war", calling on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration to abandon plans to allocate 500 hectares of Ras Malé to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills.

Speaking at a protest gathering at the Artificial Beach in Malé on Friday night, Yameen criticised the government's proposed arrangement with Eagle Hills and warned against transferring control of Maldivian territory to foreign parties.

He said there were limits to the authority of a president, particularly on matters involving the interests of the public, and argued that decisions of such significance should not be made without public consent.

Yameen warned the government against taking steps that he said could lead to consequences beyond its control.

"Do not invite a disaster that cannot be overcome. Once it begins, it cannot be controlled," he said.

"What you are trying to bring to Maldivian land is a disaster beyond our control. I am telling you not to start a war that cannot be won."

Protesters at the gathering chanted "Alabbar Out" and "Eagle Hills Out", referring to Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar.

Yameen said the gathering marked the formation of a national movement to stop the proposed Ras Malé project.

He argued that opposition to the arrangement should transcend political affiliations and that the issue should not be associated with any particular political party, ideology or political colour.

"This is a national cause," Yameen declared.

He said the movement would work to remove Eagle Hills from the project and ensure that Maldivian land remained under Maldivian control.

Yameen also called on members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), members of Parliament, police officers and military personnel to speak out against the proposed arrangement.

He said they had a responsibility to express their positions on the issue and warned that remaining silent would amount to supporting the project.

Yameen further claimed that individuals involved in facilitating the arrangement would face legal proceedings when a future administration reversed it.

The former President said the land would be reclaimed regardless of which political party formed the next government.

"Whether I come to power, the MDP comes to power or any party other than the PNC comes to power, we will reclaim this land," he said.

"Alabbar, listen carefully. Even if the land has been handed over, we will take it back. And we will not pay any compensation."

Yameen maintained that the Ras Malé development was originally part of his own electoral manifesto and claimed that President Muizzu had made no contribution to its conception.

He said the land reclamation project had been intended to provide housing for young Maldivians, arguing that foreign parties should not be given opportunities to establish themselves on the land.

The former President reiterated that the reclaimed land should be reserved for Maldivians rather than transferred to foreign interests.

Yameen's speech was cut short after electricity was interrupted at the Artificial Beach venue.

Despite the interruption, he continued to chant "Alabbar Out" after leaving the stage.

The gathering brought together opposition political figures and members of the public protesting the proposed allocation of 500 hectares of Ras Malé to Eagle Hills.