With Increased Defence Investment, President Muizzu Appeals to Unity and Intellect to Protect Independence

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a substantial increase in defence spending and infrastructure investment, positioning the initiative as a strategic imperative to safeguard national sovereignty. The announcement, delivered during a Victory Day ceremony, was accompanied by a call for civic vigilance, with the president urging all Maldivians to defend the nation through intellectual resolve and collective unity.

The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year allocates USD 181.56 million to defence-related programmes. According to President Muizzu, the sector has received special priority over the past two years, with renewed focus on both physical infrastructure and human capital development.

A key element of this investment is the rehabilitation of facilities used by the Maldives National Defence Force and the Maldives Police Service. The president acknowledged the deteriorating condition of existing infrastructure, particularly in the capital, and pledged decisive action. “The buildings currently used by the Maldives National Defence Force in Malé are very old and dilapidated,” he said, promising to resolve the issue.

The administration has outlined targeted projects to enhance training capacity and operational readiness. These include the refurbishment of Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi and the construction of new training centres in Addu City and Girifushi.

“The facilities required by the military at Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi are becoming old and falling into disrepair,” President Muizzu stated. “We will bring this situation to an end and provide a definitive solution. Furthermore, a decision has been made to construct a new military training centre in Addu City, in the south. Work on the training centre in Girifushi has already commenced.”

In parallel with physical upgrades, the government is expanding its investment in youth engagement through the Maldives National Service programme. Beginning next year, the initiative will offer placements to 1,000 young people annually. The decision follows strong demand for the programme, with over 1,200 applicants competing for approximately 300 placements this year.

Memory, religion and unity as pillars of independence, with the President framing them as foundational

President Muizzu also addressed the philosophical dimension of national defence, asserting that the protection of independence is not the exclusive responsibility of uniformed personnel. He urged citizens to recognise the power of intellect and unity as the nation’s most enduring safeguard.

He affirmed that the memory of those who sacrificed for the country’s independence would remain as long as the Maldivian nation endures. He also highlighted the importance of religious and cultural cohesion, noting that Maldivians are a united people, firm in the noble religion of Islam, a truth that must be conveyed to future generations.

In a pointed reflection on the nature of sovereignty in a globalised era, the president described the intellect as the most powerful weapon available to every citizen: “Not everyone can be provided with training and a weapon. However, every individual possesses the most powerful weapon. That is the intellect, the mind bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah,” the president said.

He elaborated that national resilience depends on the individual’s commitment to the country. “As long as an individual resolves to direct their intellect toward the nation, working day and night with their mind and heart to sincerely love the country and committing to act in its interests, there will be no cause for concern regarding the fate of this nation,” he said.

While governments may build infrastructure, the president stressed that the strength of a nation ultimately derives from its people. He urged citizens to prioritise national interests over personal gain and to engage actively, even through digital platforms, in defending the country: “If every individual thinks toward the nation and utilises the phone in their hand, employing the reality of social media, and works in alignment with national interests, all such attacks can be destroyed immediately.”

He concluded by reaffirming that the protection of national sovereignty and the transmission of independence to future generations must remain a source of pride for every Maldivian.

National service, infrastructure and remembrance converge in Minister Ghassan’s call for unity and vigilance

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has since announced a renewed national effort to strengthen the Maldives’ armed forces, framing the initiative as essential to safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. The remarks were delivered at the official Victory Day ceremony, which commemorates the military’s successful defence against a terrorist attack 37 years ago.

Minister Ghassan attributed the momentum of current defence initiatives to President Muizzu’s leadership, noting that the effort to build a robust military had commenced after 15 years of unheeded calls to reinforce national defence. According to the minister, President Muizzu has drawn a “thick red line” around the protection of the Maldives’ independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“I wish to extend congratulations and express gratitude to the president,” Minister Ghassan said, “for the numerous achievements secured by commencing the transformation of our defence force into a modern military capable of safeguarding the thick red line that he has drawn for the preservation of the independence, sovereignty, and integrity of the Maldives, all while operating under a planned, comprehensive, and long-term military policy, and by continuously participating in this endeavour day and night.”

Minister Ghassan reported that the Maldivian armed forces have achieved several key objectives over the past two years, with notable progress recorded between last year’s Victory Day and the current commemoration.

Among the principal achievements is the launch of the National Service programme, first announced by President Muizzu at the previous Victory Day ceremony. The minister noted the participation of students from the programme in this year’s event, describing it as a strategic initiative to cultivate a generation loyal to the nation.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of specific branches of the military. Initiatives to strengthen the MNDF Marine Corps are progressing successfully, while plans to double the capacity of the Coast Guard are likewise advancing. Minister Ghassan concluded his assessment by stating that the nation should take pride in the military’s advancements as this year’s Victory Day is observed.

In addition to modernisation efforts, the government is prioritising the remembrance and support of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Minister Ghassan confirmed that work has begun to provide benefits to the families of military personnel who fell in the line of duty. These benefits, he said, are being offered in accordance with the nation’s financial capacity, ensuring that the memory of the fallen remains honoured.

Addressing participants of the newly launched National Service programme, the minister urged them to reflect on the legacy of the nation’s heroes and to recognise the weight of the responsibility they now carry. He described Victory Day as a fitting occasion to begin contemplating the magnitude of their duty. He concluded by expressing confidence that the current generation of service members would uphold the nation’s independence and ensure its transmission to future generations.