Introduction
The Maldives, a picturesque island nation renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant tourism industry, has been grappling with a concerning shift towards religious extremism and radicalization in recent years. This alarming trend has manifested in various incidents, including clashes between locals and foreign nationals, a ban on Israeli tourists and products, and alleged links to terrorist organizations. The nation's stance on the recent Israel-Palestine conflict has further fueled tensions and raised questions about its ideological leanings.
Recent Incident and Radicalization Concerns
On Monday, April 29th, 2024, an altercation was reported near Central Park in Hulhumale, approximately 7 km northeast of Malé, the capital city. The clash, which occurred around 9 PM, involved a group of Maldivians and a couple of Indians, resulting in injuries to two individuals who were subsequently admitted to the Hulhumale hospital. Following the incident, one Maldivian was detained by the local police for allegedly launching an attack.
This incident serves as a microcosm of the broader radicalization concerns plaguing the Maldives. According to Indian Today journalist Gaurav Sawant, the Maldives Islands have become a hotbed of extremism, serving as a hub for not only ISIS operatives but also the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Sawant's alarming claims highlight the nation's transformation into one of the most radicalized and extremist regions in the world.
Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
The Maldives' position on the recent Israel-Palestine conflict has further amplified concerns about its ideological leanings. During the altercation between Israel and Palestine in October 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel, brutally murdering, raping, and killing civilians, the Maldivian government voiced its support for Palestine. It reaffirmed its backing for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem serving as Palestine's capital.
Moreover, the Maldives Parliament unanimously voted on a resolution condemning Israeli aggression against Palestine, prohibiting the entry of Israeli passport holders and the import of Israeli-made goods. The resolution also called for the severing of all existing diplomatic relations with Israel, reflecting the nation's hardline stance on the issue.
Ban on Israeli Tourists and Products
In a significant move, the Maldives Parliament unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by MP Saud Hussain on October 14, 2023. This resolution condemned Israeli troops' abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. The majority of MPs advocated for an outright ban on Israeli passport holders entering the Maldives as tourists, as well as an absolute prohibition on all Israeli products and imports.
This decision has not only strained the Maldives' relations with Israel but also raised concerns about the nation's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance. The ban on Israeli tourists and products has been viewed by some as a manifestation of the country's increasing radicalization and embrace of extremist ideologies.
Kicking out an Israeli tourist
Zaki posted a blurred photograph of an Israeli tourist woman on X, with the caption:
“Israeli tourist attempted to visit one of the islands in the Maldives for a vacation while her country commits genocide. She was rejected by the local island community, and the latest reports suggest she was heading back to the airport after realizing that humanity does not welcome them anymore.”
Historical Context and Radicalization Factors
To understand the Maldives' radicalization, it is essential to examine the historical context and factors that have contributed to this concerning trend. For hundreds of years, the Maldives remained predominantly Buddhist until the 12th century, when many inhabitants converted to Islam.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami marked a significant turning point in the growth of Islamic radicalism in the Maldives. In the aftermath of the disaster, religious experts and individuals claiming to be part of civil society from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia flocked to the capital Malé, ostensibly to offer assistance. However, many of these groups were linked to communal and armed organizations, including the charity wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq. These groups exploited the situation to preach a radical form of Islam, recruiting naive and unemployed Maldivian youth for religious training in Pakistan and Arabia. The charitable arm, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, was later classified as a terrorist organization by the US administration in April 2006.
Connections to Terrorist Organizations and Foreign Influences
The Maldives' ties to regional terrorist organizations and foreign influences have exacerbated the radicalization problem. According to a paper by Hassan Amir, a senior officer in the Maldivian National Force, Maldivians have been seeking ideological and operational inspiration from regional radical groups since the 1990s.
Amir's thesis reveals that Maldivian youth studying in Pakistani seminaries were indoctrinated against the government and expressed desires for anti-government coups and the establishment of a theocratic sharia-based state. During the Afghan war, many students studied in Pakistani seminaries and traveled to jihadi camps, further fueling the radicalization process. The Maldives' connections to organizations like Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the more dangerous Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have also been highlighted. These links have contributed to the shifting Islamic discourse and behaviors that are spreading throughout Maldivian society.
India Out Campaign
In October 2020, the opposition coalition, consisting of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), officially launched the "India Out" campaign, challenging the bilateral relationship. The campaign aims to capitalize on existing anti-India sentiments, particularly amid the democratic transition and allegations of India's expansionist ambitions. "India Out" seeks to foster more animosity by casting doubt on India's investments in Maldives, defense partnerships, and security provisions. Both political parties behind the campaign are led by Yameen.
President Mohammed Muizzu of Maldives formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel during his meeting with Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju in Male on November 18, 2023. This request was also a significant election campaign promise of the incumbent, who assumed power in September 2023.
Clash with India
The incident between India and Maldives in January 2024 escalated due to derogatory comments made by Maldivian Ministers against PM Modi. Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid called Modi a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ in response to his remarks about Lakshadweep islands. The Maldivian government later suspended the ministers but distanced itself from their comments. This led to Indian tourists canceling trips to Maldives and considering visiting Lakshadweep instead, promoting the "Explore Indian Islands" trend on social media.
Maldives, with a population of 520,000, heavily relies on India for essentials like food and infrastructure. However, concerns persist over its radicalized, extremist ideological shift towards supporting groups like Hamas, lack of religious freedom for non-Muslims, and recent arrests of Indian visitors for placing religious idols. Additionally, a Maldivian was detained for attacking Indians, but the injured individuals have been released from the hospital after receiving medical care. Further investigations are ongoing. The altercation between two groups occurred near Central Park in Hulhumale, approximately 7 km northeast of Male, around 9:00 pm on Monday, as reported by PTI citing Adhadhu.com. According to police, a Maldivian has been detained in connection with the incident. However, there is no information available about the identities of the injured parties. The two individuals who sustained serious injuries were taken to Hulhumale Hospital and were discharged after receiving treatment.
Bankruptcy and Warming up to India
Maldives is heavily burdened with external debt, reaching nearly USD 4.038 billion, and internal debt nearly matching that figure, leading to a looming debt crisis in 2026. Mohammed Muizzu's government has a gross national income of USD 5.6 billion, according to official figures. Muizzu, with his overt anti-India stance, is seeking debt relief from his close ally, Xi Jinping, and Islamic emirates in the Middle East. However, the Chinese debt of USD 1.3 billion constitutes nearly 30 percent of Maldives' external debt, with sovereign bonds maturing in 2026. Despite seeking financial support from countries like Turkey and China, the Island nation faces a fully blown economic crisis.
In a shift to a reconciliatory tone following a diplomatic row with India, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has requested New Delhi for debt relief measures, while affirming that India will continue to be Maldives' "closest ally." He stated that he has "not taken any action nor made any statements" to strain the relationship between the two countries. President Muizzu, in an interview with local media 'Mihaaru', expressed hope that India would consider leniencies in the repayment structure of the hefty loans taken from the country over consecutive governments.
He emphasized the need to continue ongoing projects without disruption. According to reports from The Edition, during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, Maldives received a USD 1.4 million loan from India's Export and Import Bank (Exim Bank). With this loan included, the amount owed by Maldives to India by the end of last year totaled 6.2 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Alarming Statistics and Crackdown Efforts
The scope of radicalism in the Maldives is evident from alarming statistics. In December 2019, the Maldives' "Islamic ministry" suspended the preaching licenses of three professors accused of advocating terrorism, spreading hatred, and supporting civil wars in other countries. This crackdown followed information revealing that the Maldives had approximately 1,400 radicals willing to kill in the service of Islam. Additionally, the Maldives has the dubious distinction of supplying the most foreign fighters per capita to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS between 2013 and 2018. This statistic underscores the nation's vulnerability to extremist ideologies and the extent of radicalization among its youth.
Conclusion
The Maldives' radicalization and embrace of extremist ideologies have raised grave concerns about the nation's trajectory and its commitment to religious freedom and tolerance. The incidents involving clashes with foreign nationals, the ban on Israeli tourists and products, and the alleged connections to terrorist organizations paint a concerning picture.
As the Maldives grapples with this challenge, it is imperative that the government, civil society, and the international community work together to promote deradicalization, strengthen security measures, and foster an environment of religious moderation and inclusivity. Only through concerted efforts can the Maldives reclaim its identity as a peaceful and welcoming nation, safeguarding its stability, security, and economic prospects.
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