‘This guy is gonna dump US$16bn’: MP Nihan’s leaked audio

A full translation of a leaked audio clip of Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan saying that the constitution was amended to facilitate the sale of Himithi in Faafu atoll to then-Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman Al Saud.

Maldives fights rumours of island sales to Saudi Arabia with clampdown

Police officers on the island of Magoodhoo in Faafu atoll forced a journalist working as a stringer for The New York Times to sign a statement saying he would not interview islanders about the rumoured multi-billion investment from Saudi Arabia.

Saved by the bull?

Did the Saudi king postpone the official visit because of the flu or MP Nihan’s leaked audio about amending the constitution to facilitate the sale of Faafu atoll Himithi to the deputy crown prince? asks Azra Naseem.

The things we do

“I am not pessimistic by nature, but I fear for the future of my homeland. Paradise is rarely regained in the political arena. The very nature of politics makes it so,” writes Latheefa Verall.

Development or environment: A dilemma for Maldivians

Aside from the irreversible damage to fragile reefs from reclamation and dredging, the Maldives stands to lose the unique Islandness (ޖަޒީރާވަންތަކަން) of an ancient ocean civilisation, writes environmental scientist Ibrahim Mohamed.

No intention of buying land in Maldives, asserts Saudi embassy

The Saudi Arabian government has no intention of investing in a mega project or buying an island or atoll in the Maldives, the Saudi embassy has asserted, dismissing the “widely circulated baseless and unfounded allegations”.

Government denies ‘selling off’ atoll to Saudi Arabia

The categorical denial comes after Climate Home reported former President Mohamed Nasheed and foreign policy experts raising the prospect of Saudi Arabia seeking a strategic anchor in the Maldives to secure an oil route to China.

Opposition announces protest against Faafu deal as police crackdown intensifies

After warning that “legal action” will be taken against “demeaning” activities during upcoming official visits, the police have raided the MDP’s meeting hall twice, painted over graffiti on Shaviyani Bileyfahi, and warned against putting up banners against the Faafu deal at the MDP’s campaign launch rally on Haa Alif Dhidhoo.

MDP warns of ‘creeping colonialism’ by Saudi Arabia

Muizzing Maldives

In the third part of her series on the proposed Saudi development of Faafu atoll, Azra Naseem considers revelations made by ministers in the UK’s Guardian newspaper about plans to relocate populations of small islands.

Of myths and monsters

In the second part of her series on the Saudi-funded project for Faafu atoll, Azra Naseem examines the use of powerful national myths to counter criticism and stifle dissent.

Police crack down as Faafu protesters demand answers over Saudi-funded project

“What we are saying is we are worried. Half or two-third of our atoll may be sold and people don’t know what’s happening. Is it being sold, is it already sold, is it being leased? Give us that information,” a fishing boat captain involved in organising the protest on Biledhdhoo said.