President Muizzu attempts to take full credit for Maritime Rescue Center developed with a $3.7 million investment from Japan
27 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހޯމަ 16:00The President's Office has faced criticism for failing to acknowledge Japan’s $3.7 million contribution in its official coverage of the opening of the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Villingili. Despite the project being funded by the Japanese government and initiated in 2021 through UNODC under the previous administration, the official report omitted Japan's involvement, instead framing the facility as a project funded and executed by the current Maldivian government.
A commemorative plaque displayed at the opening ceremony of the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building. | President's Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has attempted to take full credit for the Maritime Coordination Center developed in Male’ and Villingili, a project funded by a $3.7 million grant from the Japanese government. In a news release regarding the facility, the President's Office claimed the building was a government initiative and described it as a key achievement under President Muizzu's policy to enhance the capabilities of the Coast Guard.
It is noteworthy that the news report published by the President's Office regarding the opening of this center made no mention of Japan.
Project records clearly indicate that this building was funded by the Government of Japan. Furthermore, the Japanese government commissioned the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to manage the implementation of the project.
In line with these efforts, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Japan signed an "Exchange of Notes" in February 2021 to facilitate the construction of a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the Maldives.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Japan are set to sign a $3.7 million agreement to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in the Maldives. | UNODC
According to a statement issued by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the project—facilitated through its Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP)—will focus on developing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) infrastructure. The initiative also aims to provide essential support to enhance the capabilities of officers in maritime search and rescue operations and the enforcement of maritime laws.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Japanese government by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai. Representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was Masatomo Yamaguchi, Criminal Justice and Crime Prevention Officer, acting as the designated representative of Executive Director Ghada Waly. While the Maldivian government did not sign the project document itself, the ceremony was attended by the then Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Force, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, senior officials from the Japanese Embassy, and UNODC representatives based in the Maldives.
From the signing ceremony of the "Exchange of Notes" between the Government of Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). | Avas
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Yanai recalled his visit to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) a year ago, where he witnessed dedicated officers working tirelessly despite limited resources and confined space. The Japanese Ambassador further noted that given the center’s vital role as a command hub for saving lives and ensuring maritime security, he felt a profound responsibility to provide the necessary assistance to enhance its operations.
Planned for execution in two phases in collaboration with the Maldives Coast Guard, the first stage of this project involves the construction of a facility housing the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Center offices, training spaces, accommodation quarters, and a library. The second phase will see the UNODC design and implement specialized training programs focused on search and rescue operations and maritime law enforcement.
Regarding the initiative, Masatomo Yamaguchi stated that UNODC is immensely pleased to contribute to enhancing the capacity of Maldivian law enforcement officers, made possible through the generous support of the Japanese government.
Furthermore, Yamaguchi noted that this project will facilitate the sustainable development of skills within the Maldives' maritime law enforcement agencies. He highlighted that it will provide opportunities for these agencies to collaborate under one roof with other national and regional stakeholders. As a result, he added, efforts to combat maritime crimes will become more effective.
The groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction for the new Maldives Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building in Villingili was held on June 20, 2022.
From the ceremony held on June 20, 2022, to officially mark the commencement of construction for the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) building, established by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). | MNDF
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, the Minister of Defence, and the Program Coordinator of the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), alongside senior officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Upon completion, the building will house the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) operations room, accommodation blocks, and classrooms. According to a statement released by the United Nations office in Male' regarding the ceremony, these facilities will facilitate the conduct of national and international training programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills of personnel from various government agencies involved in maritime search and rescue operations and the enforcement of maritime laws.
However, in a statement released by the President's Office following the building's inauguration ceremony, it was stated that "the new MRCC building is a facility developed by the government."
Furthermore, it was noted that "the Australian government has also provided assistance in establishing the equipment and resources necessary for the services provided in this building."
The report also failed to mention the pivotal role played by Japan, which served as the primary benefactor of the project with a contribution of $3.7 million. Instead, the coverage merely noted that Ambassador Ishigami attended the opening ceremony of the new MRCC building.
The project, which was brought to fruition through significant aid from the Japanese government, the support of UNODC, and the dedicated efforts of the former administration's Defense Minister and military leadership, was framed differently in a recent statement from the President's Office. Upon its completion, the President's Office reported that "this was a vital initiative undertaken as part of President Muizzu's policy to enhance the capabilities of the Coast Guard."
