President Muizzu Says Security Forces Hold Line on Sovereignty, as Maldives Marks 60th Year of Independence

Stressing that national sovereignty and public order rest squarely on the shoulders of the Maldives' security forces, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu used the country’s 60th Independence Day to reinforce the indispensable role of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS). His remarks came during a commemorative ceremony held Saturday morning, marking six decades since the Maldives’ liberation from British protection. The event, the first to convene the nation’s military and police under a single roof, also served as a platform to outline the administration’s vision for institutional development and national self-reliance.

Addressing attendees, President Muizzu reinforced the essential role of the military and police in preserving sovereignty and maintaining public order. By characterising investment in these entities as intrinsic to the country’s continued independence and collective well-being, he positioned the security forces as enduring custodians of national stability and identity. Recognition of their daily sacrifices framed the broader discourse on state resilience, highlighting the pivotal contribution of frontline personnel in responding to challenges both routine and emergent.

Security development as a national mandate

This ethos of preparedness and dedication, according to the president, has shaped the administration’s policy orientation since its inception. Institutional development and service member welfare have been elevated as strategic imperatives, reflecting both a sense of national duty and public confidence in the country’s defence architecture. Expanding capabilities within the military and police has emerged as a central pillar in efforts to reinforce domestic security.

Youth mobilisation and civic participation

Continuing this trajectory, the president highlighted the administration‘s National Service Programme, a cornerstone initiative aimed at modernising public service infrastructure and augmenting defence capacity. The programme sets out to strengthen the operational reach of the military and police while encouraging youth participation in civic and national endeavours. The president stressed that it draws upon the administration’s overarching principle that Maldivians themselves must be entrusted with the stewardship of their nation.

Affirming this position, President Muizzu reiterated his government’s resolve to ensure that all aspects of territorial and administrative management remain under domestic control. Though welcoming external support for technical enhancement and capacity-building, he rejected the prospect of any permanent foreign presence within the Maldives.

Strategic scale and sovereign responsibility

Such an approach, the president noted, gains added urgency when viewed in light of the Maldives’ expansive responsibilities as a small island state overseeing one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones. In safeguarding these assets, the administration pledged targeted measures to build expertise and broaden career pathways for uniformed personnel. These efforts, the president said, align with the broader vision of establishing a secure and peaceful national environment, empowered by trained and motivated service members.

Medals mark distinguished service

Closing the ceremony, the president presented national honours to a range of distinguished officers in recognition of their exemplary service. Six individuals, three military and three police, received the President’s Special Medal. From the military, awardees included Warrant Officer 2 Abdulla Saasan, Sergeant Major Ahmed Mujuthaba, and Sergeant First Class Ahmed Ali. The honoured police officers were Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef, Assistant Commissioner of Police Asim Abdulla, and Chief Superintendent of Police Ismail Shameem Adam.

The Medal for Long Service was conferred upon Brigadier General Abdulla Ibrahim and Brigadier General Dr Hussain Ibrahim, acknowledging their sustained commitment. A further 11 officers were awarded the Medal for Distinguished Service, including Colonel Hussain Ali and Colonel Ali Manik from the military. Nine police recipients included Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Azuhaan, Chief Superintendent of Police Fathimath Nashwa, Superintendent of Police Mujuthaba Abdul Sattar, Superintendent of Police Mariyam Azma, Superintendent of Police Ahmed Faseeh, Superintendent of Police Ali Faiz, Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Zahir, Chief Inspector of Police Ibrahim Mohamed, and Inspector of Police Adam Shiham.