Unrest in the Maldive Island capital of Male has broken out as supporters of deposed president Mohamed Nasheed took to the streets. Nasheed resigned Wednesday. He has been replaced by the former vice-president Mohamed Waheed.
“Asked why he had resigned, Nasheed said: "Because I didn't want them to go shooting our people. They were threatening me and they were threatening the people. I didn’t want that.“ Al Jazeera
There are allegations that religious differences sparked the military intervention but that has been disputed by Waheed. The tiny nation of 330 000 people is predominantly Sunni Moslem. The country elected Nasheed in 2008 in its first democratic elections. Former power brokers have maintained much of their influence.
Deposed president Nasheed is currently at his home which is surrounded by military personnel. One reason given for this is that it is for his protection, the other that he under house arrest.
The Maldive Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. The country has been able to capitalize on its unique location and islets of coral to court well heeled tourists seeking luxurious accommodations in the sun. But there is trouble in this paradise. As the world’s oceans slowly creep higher, the low lying islands become vulnerable to flooding.
Former president Nasheed was ardent supporter in the fight to slow climate change.
“Asked why he had resigned, Nasheed said: "Because I didn't want them to go shooting our people. They were threatening me and they were threatening the people. I didn’t want that.“ Al Jazeera
There are allegations that religious differences sparked the military intervention but that has been disputed by Waheed. The tiny nation of 330 000 people is predominantly Sunni Moslem. The country elected Nasheed in 2008 in its first democratic elections. Former power brokers have maintained much of their influence.
Deposed president Nasheed is currently at his home which is surrounded by military personnel. One reason given for this is that it is for his protection, the other that he under house arrest.
The Maldive Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. The country has been able to capitalize on its unique location and islets of coral to court well heeled tourists seeking luxurious accommodations in the sun. But there is trouble in this paradise. As the world’s oceans slowly creep higher, the low lying islands become vulnerable to flooding.
Former president Nasheed was ardent supporter in the fight to slow climate change.
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