Cross-Party Coalition Plans Mega Rally to Protest EEZ Loss

A broad coalition of Maldivian political parties and leaders have joined forces to stage a mass rally on June 2, 2023, in a bid to challenge the loss of 45,331 km2 of the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to Mauritius. The coalition, known as the "Coalition against the Selling of Maldivian Oceans", includes the opposition PPM/PNC, Maldives National Party, Jumhoory Party, parliamentary members loyal to former president Nasheed, former Home Minister and presidential candidate Umar Naseer, and two former Attorney Generals of the Maldives, Dr. Mohammed Munawwar and Azima Shukoor.

The loss of the significant part of the EEZ, an outcome of a recent ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), has stirred widespread controversy and backlash against the government, resulting in the formation of this coalition. The EEZ, extending up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, is crucial to the Maldivian economy, particularly the fishing industry, making this loss a matter of national concern.

During a press conference, the coalition emphasized that their collaboration goes beyond party lines, focusing instead on the shared goal of safeguarding national interests. Abdul Raheem, the interim leader of PPM, stressed that the rally planned for June 2 isn't a political event but a demonstration of national unity.

As part of their campaign, the coalition has launched a petition against the government's decision to relinquish a significant part of the EEZ, marking a key step in their protest.

The coalition has already submitted a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath, holding him chiefly responsible for the EEZ loss. They also announced plans to submit a similar motion against President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih, indicating an intensifying stand-off with the government over this maritime dispute.

With the loss of the EEZ projected to impact the livelihoods of numerous Maldivians and the nation's economy, the forthcoming rally and political maneuvers are set to increase pressure on the government to address these pressing issues. As the rally's date approaches, the unfolding situation promises to have significant implications for the Maldives' political and economic landscape.