Male, February 6 (Maldives Republic): President Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that the country’s foreign policy must ensure its sovereignty and independence are never compromised, reaffirming a commitment to strengthening ties with developing nations and maintaining regional peace.
Delivering the Presidential Address at the opening of the 2025 session of Parliament, Muizzu said “the sovereignty of the Maldives is the highest priority in the country’s history, and its foreign policy should ensure that sovereignty and independence are never compromised.”
He said the Maldives would prioritise relations with its neighbours and work closely with the international community “to promote peace, stability, and development.” He also stated that the country would not tolerate “crimes such as illegal settlements, harm to life, or violations of human dignity.”
Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ position on the Palestinian issue, reiterating that the country would “not support any actions against the Palestinian statehood.” He said the government remained committed to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.
The President also recalled the Maldives’ submission of a Declaration of Intervention in support of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice against Israel. He noted that on 19 December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking an ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s responsibilities regarding humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
On national security, Muizzu said the government had taken steps to enhance defence capabilities. He announced the establishment of a “Special Boat Squadron” within the Coast Guard’s special operations, which was launched on 3 November 2024.
The President also emphasised the government’s initiatives to strengthen the technical, educational, and resource capabilities of both the police and armed forces.
Muizzu’s address comes as the Maldives seeks to assert its sovereignty while navigating geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
MDP protests both inside and outside parliament
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) staged a demonstration outside Parliament House on Thursday, coinciding with the opening session of Parliament, in what they described as an assembly to listen to the Presidential Address. However, police cordoned off the area, preventing demonstrators from approaching the Parliament building.
Protesters carried placards condemning government corruption, unfulfilled electoral pledges, the consolidation of power, worsening economic conditions, and other grievances.
Inside the chamber, MDP MPs continued their protest as President Mohamed Muizzu began his address. They raised placards and voiced their dissent, prompting Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla to invoke parliamentary rules. Several MPs were named and ordered to vacate the chamber, including most of the 12 MDP members present.
MDP MPs hold placards inside the Parliament chamber, protesting during President Mohamed Muizzu’s Presidential Address on Thursday, 6 February 2025. | Photo: MDP
Despite being named, the MPs continued their protest. The Speaker then signalled to President Muizzu to pause his speech and announced that the sitting would be suspended until the named members left the chamber. Following the adjournment, security personnel forcibly removed some MPs, including MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazim and Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad. The sitting resumed once the MPs had been expelled.
In his address, President Muizzu emphasised that no state institution could infringe upon the constitutional and civil rights of citizens. He asserted that all individuals had the right to engage in any activity not expressly prohibited by the Constitution or the law.
“I believe that every citizen has the freedom and right to do whatever is not prohibited by the Constitution and the law. No government or any state institution can infringe on that civil and constitutional right,” he said.
Earlier this week, the MDP organised a peaceful protest march calling for President Muizzu’s resignation, accusing him of consolidating power, corruption, mismanagement, and failing to deliver on campaign pledges. The march, held under police protection, drew hundreds of participants and was the largest demonstration against the Muizzu administration to date.
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