MNDF suspends officer for propogating discord within the force

A Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officer has been suspended from duty over allegations of trying to propagating discord within ranks of the force.

In a statement today, MNDF revealed that statements collected from a number of officers from various ranks show that First Lieutenant Abdulla Shareef tried to promote discord within the institution.

MNDF spokesperson Colonel Abdul Raheem told Sun today that Lieutenant Abdulla Shareef was suspended in over an investigation implicating the Lieutenant. He will not be able to visit the military bases during the period of his suspension, the spokesperson said.

“He is the first person to be suspended over this case. He will not be allowed into the base when he is on suspension,” Abdul Raheem said.

On Monday, four senior MNDF officers presented a document to the Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam, highlighting concerns surrounding the country’s current situation following the postponement of the first round of the presidential elections. MNDF spokesperson Colonel Abdul Raheem, also one of the signatories of the document, said that the document was signed by one General and three Colonels.

Rumors of discord in the military has been circulating heavily following former president Mohamed Nasheed’s call on officers within MNDF and the police who support the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to cease anticipation of a Supreme Court order regarding the results of the first round of the election, and move for a change of government.

Ministry of Defence and National Security has issued a statement accusing certain media outlets of broadcasting content that promotes discord within the military and delivered a stark warning that they will take action against such broadcasters.