Author

Ahmed Naish

Ahmed Naish joined the Maldives Independent (formerly Minivan News) as a rookie reporter in January 2009, covering the country's tumultuous transition to democracy, first multi-party elections and series of political crises. He later served as editor-in-chief until the Maldives Independent suspended operations in January 2020 and returned to the role for the relaunch in January 2025. Naish has also written for local and international publications such as Al Jazeera and The Diplomat. 

955 articles

Gulhifalhu plan creates "urban disaster" with population density exceeding Malé

The proposed solution risks repeating Malé's overcrowding mistakes.

10 Jun 2025, 5:27 PM

UK Chagos handover sinks Maldives hopes of reclaiming southern waters

Campaign promise to reverse tribunal judgment became legally impossible.

02 Jun 2025, 7:29 PM

Unpacking the Maldives Supreme Court purge

Two justices were impeached in the face of widespread international criticism.

18 May 2025, 5:01 PM

How a move to curb MPs and a spa visit led to the Supreme Court cull

As the ruling party flexed its supermajority to remove two Supreme Court justices, our timeline explores how a constitutional challenge to new anti-defection rules has unravelled the separation of powers.

14 May 2025, 2:00 PM

Maldives hopes to avert debt default with US$9bn finance hub investment

A joint venture was signed with a Qatari family office.

05 May 2025, 10:45 PM

Muizzu fields questions during epic 15-hour press conference, after 500 days of silence

Key takeaways from the Press Freedom Day marathon

04 May 2025, 6:34 PM

Money printing will trigger inflation crisis, warns ex-central bank governor

"No injections will be made without fiscal space," deputy speaker assures.

13 Mar 2025, 7:38 PM

Illusory budget surplus masks economic peril as debt crisis looms

Long overdue fiscal reforms remain stalled.

06 Mar 2025, 8:54 PM

Parliament shrinks Supreme Court ahead of ruling on party control of lawmakers

The judicial watchdog suspended three justices shortly after the vote.

26 Feb 2025, 3:30 PM

Corruption probe widens beyond US$23 million police housing scandal

A whistleblower alleged "widespread corruption" beyond the housing project.

16 Feb 2025, 4:00 PM

Highlights of President Muizzu's state of the nation address

Muizzu delivered his second state of the nation address at the official opening of the People’s Majlis for 2025.

06 Feb 2025, 12:00 PM

The Missing Years: 2020-2025

Here’s a timeline of the major events and key stories during our five-year hiatus.

31 Jan 2025, 11:33 PM

Previous administration gave sovereign guarantees worth US$1.3 billion

US$660 million was disbursed to 24 companies.

04 Dec 2018, 9:00 AM

President Solih meets ambassadors and foreign dignitaries

The new ambassador of the United States presented her letter of credence to the president.

19 Nov 2018, 9:00 AM

Witness testimony continues in Rilwan abduction trial

A prosecution witness, whose voice was altered for anonymity, told the court he had heard screams near journalist Ahmed Rilwan’s apartment the night he was abducted.

23 Apr 2018, 9:00 AM

Foreign freeholds will not threaten Indian Ocean security, assures President Yameen

After ratifying the second amendment to the constitution today, President Yameen sought to allay fears over foreign ownership of land in the Maldives, assuring the public that freeholds will not threat Indian Ocean security or lead to “enslavement” and scarcity of land.

23 Jul 2015, 4:31 PM

Nine hour power cut in Malé caused by damaged switch gear

The State Electricity Company (STELCO) has said that a power outage in the Galolhu ward of Malé around 1:00am last night was caused by a damaged switch gear at a distribution centre in Lily Magu. The power cut lasted more than nine hours and followed STELCO warning of intermittent cuts in the capital after one of two main 8MW generators at the power plant was damaged.

23 Jul 2015, 1:30 PM

Majlis approves foreign freeholds in second amendment to constitution

Some 70 MPs voted to allow foreigners to own land in the Maldives. Opposing MPs expressed concern over lack of public debate and say the amendments paves the way for Chinese military expansion in the Maldives. The second constitutional amendment was approved within 24 hours of it being submitted to the Majlis.

22 Jul 2015, 5:10 PM

Second amendment on foreign land ownership likely to pass

Some 64 MPs voted to consider the constitutional amendment and sent it to a special committee for review. Minority leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the government must consider Indian Ocean security in awarding land to foreign parties. A final vote is expected on Wednesday afternoon.

22 Jul 2015, 12:25 AM

Parliament impeaches Vice President Dr Jameel in absentia

21 Jul 2015, 1:44 PM

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