Government tight-lipped amid growing clamour to reveal Saudi project for Faafu atoll
Speculation of the imminent sale of Faafu atoll to the Saudi royal family intensified this week when the media learned of the Saudi King’s upcoming official visit to the Maldives, prompting concerns over the scope for corruption, threats to sovereignty, and potential damage to the environment.
23 Feb 2017, 9:00 AM
The government remains tight-lipped about an alleged plan to depopulate and sell Faafu atoll to the Saudi royal family, despite a growing clamour for information to be made public.
In recent days, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and the Adhaalath Party strongly objected to foreign ownership of Maldivian land whilst members of the Faafu atoll council, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and anti-corruption NGO Transparency Maldives called on the government to break its silence.
Rumours of the sale that first began swirling after the passage of constitutional amendments authorising foreign freeholds were revived last month with President Abdulla Yameen’s announcement of a massive Saudi-funded project in Faafu atoll.
Yameen did not offer details of the “township or integrated development project” and the government has yet to make any official announcements.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
