2012

To say that 2012 was a chaotic year for the Maldives would be an understatement. The country has been through a turbulent period; and while some of the events were executed following careful planning, others were surprises that left people struggling to grasp the turn of events. Two themes - political turmoil and murder - dominated the major events faced by the country this year.

The year began with a remorseless murder in the island of Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo on 7 January. Ali Hassan (Ayyube) was found stabbed to death in an abandoned house. Little did the people of Kudahuvadhoo - or Maldivians in general -know that this was the beginning of a series of such merciless murders in the country.

Photo Caption: Ayyube -- Sun File Photo

Meanwhile, a different set of sentiments were brewing in Male’. Protests sparked by the arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed were gaining force every night.

February 2012 was probably one of the most remarkable months in the history of Maldives. The protests culminated in the resignation of the then President Mohamed Nasheed on the morning of 7 February. Within hours, then Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik took oath as President of the Maldives. People were left in shock,unable to fathom the gravity of the events that were taking place.

Photo caption: Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik taking the oath today with wife next to him- Photo: Raees Office

One might have thought that things would calm down after this theatrical episode, but the situation continued to escalate. In March,People’s Majlis (Maldivian Parliament) became a place of havoc as the president attempted to deliver the presidential statement on two different occasions. Opposing members of parliament turned over desks, fought and screamed as loudly as they possibly could to drown out the voice of the president.

Photo caption: Members of MDP shouting as MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih laughs; while President makes the opening speech on 19 March

With April came different surprises. On 11 April, the country was rocked with the news of a strong earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia, similar in scale to the one in 2004. The earthquake was felt in the Maldives as well, and a tsunami alert left Maldivians nervous and pacing.But all is well that ends well; the alert was cancelled after about five hours.

Photo caption: A tsunami alert was issued following an earthquake in Indonesia on 11 April 2012 -- Sun photo: Ali Wafir

After this slight distraction from polarisation and a chance for Maldivians to display solidarity and compassion, by May it was time to return to the chaos and quarrels of politics. Subsequent to the constant questioning by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of the impartiality of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) established by the president to probe the events that led to the transfer of power in February; on 15 May, the government announced its decision to include a retired judge of Singapore as well as a representative of former President Mohamed Nasheed in the commission.

Later that month, on 30 May, Mohamed Arham,a student of Dharumavantha School was found stabbed to death in Lorenzo Park in Male’. Not long afterwards, on 1 July, lawyer, historical researcher and writer Ahmed Najeeb was murdered in a similar manner. This was the first person of high profile to be killed in 2012. Not just that - the gruesomeness of the murder was distressing. He was stabbed to death and shoved in to a trash can by two intoxicated youngsters.

Photo caption: Police at Lorenzo Park where Arham was found -- Sun photo

In August the country held its breath as the CNI prepared to announce the results of its investigation. The long-awaited report was publicised on 31 August, stamping the government as legitimate. In spite of people’s relentless hope that the country’s political turbulence would end with this news, reality proved otherwise as chaotic and often regrettable events continued to unfold.

Photo caption: Members of the CNI at a press conference

Late on the night of 1 October,Dr Afrasheem Ali, one of the most prominent Islamic scholars of the country, a prolific Islamic preacher, lecturer and also a Member of Parliament, was found stabbed to death in the stairwell of his apartment building - yet another high-profile murder. The police assured that the people behind this brutal crime would be brought to justice as the country mourned the death of an invaluable scholar.

Photo caption: Military officers carry Afrasheem’s coffin to the cemetery after funeral prayers -- Sun photo: Fayaz Moosa

The government had saved one last surprise for the people before 2012 came to a close. On 27 November, the government announced its decision to terminate the agreement with Indian multinational giant GMR. Maldivians rejoiced over regaining control of their own airport, but their jubilation had to be kept in check due to the sensitivity of the issue and its potential adverse impact on the country’s historic ties with India.

Photo caption: Ceremony to hand over Male’ Airport to GMR -- Sun file photo

Nonetheless, the year has ended with a positive turn, as the country saw no high-profile murders and relatively less political turmoil in December. Moreover, even the parliament seemed to have found a way to set aside its differences and do some productive work. While it had been almost idle throughout the year, important bills passed in the final session include the Bill on Political Parties, the Bill on Privileges of Members of Parliament, the Bill on Parole, and the Bill on Privatisation.

Thus ends a year of political turmoil and murders for a tiny nation. People are now bracing themselves for 2013 which will bring an eagerly-anticipated election, and needless to say, plenty more excitement.