Sporadic violence erupted in the Maldives early this week as thousands of people descended on the streets of capital Male, protesting against the government over the soaring prices of consumer goods and services; and for alleged government mismanagement of public funds and uneconomical spending.
Quite similar to and largely inspired by recent popular uprisings witnessed in Egypt, Libya and many Middle Eastern countries, the anti-government forces clamored for more street demonstrations to ‘fight for the rights of Maldivians.’ The only difference is that the protests in Maldives are directed against the democratically elected government in Maldives, spearheaded by anti-democratic elements both within the government and in the opposition.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was blamed for this continuing unrest in this Island nation. Gayoom heads the Z-faction of the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (Z-DRP) which has been at the forefront of the ongoing street demonstrations, attempting to topple Mohamed Nasheed led Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government at the center. The protests are also having the tacit support of the religious conservative Adhaalath Party(Justice party) which is part of the ruling coalition government.
This week-long protests marked by intermittent armed confrontations between pro and anti-government protestors, were largely controlled by baton wielding riot police. Nearly 320 protesters were arrested and at least 75 were injured during the weeklong protests.
The current unrest was triggered due to the government's decision in early April to allow the country's currency to float against the U.S. dollar. The government explained that the decision to float the currency was made to reduce the country's budget deficit and stabilize the economy. The finance minister even assured that the US Dollar exchange rate will be stabilized within three months time and said that the government took this bold step only after consulting International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). Meanwhile, President Nasheed has assured that this IMF backed economic reforms would be beneficial for Maldives in the long term.
For more media reports on the situation in Maldives, Read:
“Gov’t condemns protest on soaring price of commodities” Miadhu News, May 2, 2011.
http://www.miadhu.com/2011/05/local-news/gov%e2%80%99t-condemns-protest-...
“Shops vandalised, police station damaged in third night of violent protests”, Minivan News, May 3, 2011
http://minivannews.com/politics/shops-vandalised-police-station-damaged-...
“Violence and rioting will not be respected– Foreign Minister,” Miadhu News, May 6, 2011.
http://www.miadhu.com/2011/05/local-news/violence-and-rioting-will-not-b...
“Maldivians protest over soaring commodity prices – Day 7”, Haveeru Online, May 06, 2011 http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/36229