An alleged audio of the former president Mohamed Nasheed, discussing the possibility of forming a separate state representing Addu Atoll, has been leaked via social media. Mihaaru has not yet received confirmation regarding when this conversation took place or the identities of its participants.The recordings detail discussions of future protests planned to be held in Addu. Further into the conversation, one speaker suggests a separation of powers between Addu and the central Male’-based government. To this comment, a man allegedly identified as Nasheed, insinuated that in order to establish a separation of powers, one must also possess (adequate) weaponry. The man later confirms that the actions are indeed possible and is heard creating a comparison between the British Virgin Island Tortola in the Caribbean region and the population of Addu. He is also heard inquiring about the number of Maldives National Defense Force officers that are currently based in Addu, stating that protests in Addu would be a lot more effective. During 1959, Huvadhoo Atoll, Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah Atoll formed a coalition and declared themselves as a sovereign state named “United Suvadives Republic”. However, three years post the declaration, then president, Ibrahim Nasir deployed armed forces and dissolved the new republic, reestablishing governance under the Maldivian flag.
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