Maldives in state of emergency as turmoil deepens
Print Edition
The Maldives declared a state of emergency yesterday, as President Abdulla Yameen sought to shore up his power over the Indian Ocean island nation following a suspected assassination attempt.
Citing a threat to national security, the foreign ministry announced on its official Twitter feed that emergency rule would remain in force for 30 days.
The authorities acted after discovering explosive devices near Yameen’s official residence and the main mosque in the capital Male, as well as stashes of weapons believed to have been stolen from army stores.
“Because these would be a threat to the public and the nation, the National Security Council advised taking immediate steps to protect the people of Maldives,” Attorney General Mohamed Anil said in a live televised address.
The imposition of emergency rule, for the first time under a constitution passed in 2008, came two days before a demonstration planned by the main opposition party.
The string of tropical islands, home to 400,000 people and a favorite of tourists, has been in turmoil since a September 28 blast on board Yameen’s boat as it was about to dock at Male.
Yameen was unhurt but his wife and two aides were injured in the explosion, which the government quickly concluded was an attempt on his life.
Senior ministers said the government would only make use of limited powers to restrict the right of assembly. There would no curfew or arbitrary detention.
“Please go ahead with your holidays, the Maldives are a peaceful country,” Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon said. “There has never been a major incident targeting tourists.”
A Western diplomat in Colombo said European Union members may consider a travel advisory after the order, which comes just before the peak tourism season.
A record 1.2 million tourists visited in 2014 and accounted for 29 percent of the economy.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party planned the Friday protest to demand the release of ex-president Mohamed Nasheed, jailed in March for 13 years for terrorism.
Nasheed lost a 2013 presidential election to Yameen.
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