Fayaz: Government Systematically Dismantling Decentralization to Consolidate Power in President Muizzu

Former Male’ Area Commander Captain Ahmed Fayaz (Papa) has stated that although the current administration came to power by advocating as "champions" of the decentralization system during the election, what is being witnessed today is a series of systematic efforts to dismantle the entire system and consolidate all powers under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Fayaz stated that the current administration is moving towards stripping local councils of their administrative powers to consolidate central government influence. He noted that several measures are already underway to achieve this, including plans to abolish atoll councils, restrict the existing powers of island councils, and seize lands currently under local jurisdiction back into central government control.

He further stated that as these changes are being implemented, the government lacks any capacity to engage in consultations with the councils.

This administration came to power by portraying themselves as champions of the decentralization system during the election. However, since assuming office, we are witnessing a systematic effort to dismantle the entire framework and consolidate all power within the hands of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. From the dissolution of atoll councils and the curtailing of local authorities' powers to the seizure of lands, the government is carrying out these actions while demonstrating a complete lack of capacity to engage in consultation with the councils.

Ahmed Fayaz (Papa)

Furthermore, he highlighted growing concerns regarding the unauthorized seizure of island lands and resources without local council consultation. He noted that complaints are mounting over the exploitation of palm groves and the systematic stripping of local wealth across numerous islands.

Furthermore, significant concerns have been raised regarding the ongoing acquisition of island lands by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Fayaz noted that while development projects assigned to these SOEs remain stalled and unfinished, the continued transfer of land to these companies represents a major injustice to the public.

He characterized the current administration's actions as reflecting the traits of a tyrannical monarch rather than a government operating on democratic principles. Fayaz further noted that undermining the powers of the people and centralizing all decision-making within the President's Office constitutes a significant assault on the decentralized system of governance.