Pres. Solih appeals for firm resolve in safeguarding national honor and sovereignty

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on the occasion of Victory Day, has appealed to the citizens, emphasizing the need for a firm resolve in upholding and protecting the nation’s honor and sovereignty. 

In a written address to the nation, the President, highlighting the occasion’s significance, paid tribute to the courageous heroes who protected the Maldives' sovereignty and independence against armed foreign troops.

Underscoring the paramount importance of prioritizing national interests above individual interests – he stressed the necessity to abstain from any actions that could potentially compromise the independence and sovereignty of the nation.

In this regard, he appealed to Maldivians about the need to instill in young minds the spirit for individual efforts to protect the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

He cited fostering a sense of national pride in the younger generation and encouraging them to prioritize national interests as crucial aspects of commemorating Victory Day.

The President also emphasized creating awareness about the necessity of concerted efforts by both the government and its people, aimed at the shared goal of preserving the nation’s independence and sovereignty as another crucial reason to commemorate Victory Day.

He then credited the victory to the joint efforts of the then-government and the Maldivian people in successfully thwarting the brutal assault on November 3, 1988, accrediting the triumph to the robust spirit of unity and sacrifice common among the citizens for their nation.

In his address, he also reflected on the ongoing challenges faced by the global Muslim community, particularly drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians, who have been living under Zionist occupation for over seven decades.

He expressed profound concern over the unparalleled and inhumane conditions that are without precedent in the modern world, currently being endured by Palestinians – in an era where advocacy for democracy and human rights is echoed across the globe. On this note, he said there are no other citizens more deprived of justice than Palestinian citizens.

Today marks the 35^th anniversary of the November 3, 1988, terror attack on Male’ City.

November 3, 1988, saw a brutal attack on Maldivian independence by discontent locals who were aided by foreign merceries – which marks one of the darkest days in Maldivian history, for the attack had claimed 19 lives. They include eight army personnel and 11 civilians.