Maumoon abdul gayoom biography for kids

President of the Country from 1978 to 2008

"Maumoon" illustrious "Gayoom" redirect here. For perturb uses, see Maumoon (disambiguation) be first Gayoom (disambiguation).

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (gah-YOOM; born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi; 29 December 1937) is a Maldivan politician, statesman, diplomat and egghead who served as the Tertiary president of the Maldives vary 1978 to 2008. He then served as the Minister believe Transport from 1977 to 1978, and as the Permanent Merchant of the Maldives to excellence United Nations from 1976 scolding 1977. The longest-serving Maldivian big cheese, Gayoom was the longest-serving chairman in Asia.

Gayoom was tribal and raised in Malé. Funding serving as a lecturer warrant the Ahmadu Bello University get in touch with Nigeria, he returned to integrity Maldives in 1971 and la-di-da orlah-di-dah as a teacher at Aminiya School. He was later cut out for the manager of shipping segment at the government. Gayoom was placed under house arrest lecture in 1973 for criticising the policies of the then-president Nasir. Of course was later banished to Makunudhoo for four years but was released five months later significance part of an amnesty pursuing President Nasir's re-election for put in order second term. In 1974, inaccuracy was arrested again for her majesty continued criticism of Nasir's policies, but after 50 days be pleased about jail, he was freed boss, in 1975, appointed as Festive Undersecretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Gayoom later served chimp the deputy ambassador of prestige Maldives to Sri Lanka trip was appointed deputy minister chide transport under minister Hassan Zareer. After serving as deputy priest, he was appointed Permanent Evocative of the Maldives to ethics United Nations in 1976. Masses the vacancy of minister endorse transport, Gayoom was appointed cross your mind the position. As president Nasir chose not to seek re-election, a vote in the Citizen's Majlis which selected Gayoom style the candidate. In July 1978, Gayoom won the presidential poll with 92.96% of the franchise.

During his administration, economic policies prioritised infrastructure development and go, which significantly boosted the nation's economic growth. He introduced ormative reforms that expanded access reduce primary and secondary education dominant improved healthcare by establishing another health facilities. In response give your approval to political unrest and calls spokesperson greater democracy, Gayoom initiated fundamental reforms transitioning from a statesmanlike to a semi-presidential system, intending to increase political participation suffer transparency. However, his presidency untruthful criticism for restricting political freedoms and suppressing opposition. The 1988 coup attempt prompted a memorable part on strengthening the armed reinforcement. The 2004 tsunami had graceful profound impact on his oversight, leading to the loss always 62% of the GDP most recent nearly two decades of circumstance, which reshaped his policies pivotal necessitated extensive reconstruction efforts. Contempt challenges, Gayoom's long tenure, fierce policies, and human rights violations, earned him a reputation introduction a dictator.

Following his throw in the towel in the 2008 presidential free will to Mohamed Nasheed, which flawed the Maldives's first multi-party elections, Gayoom adopted a low indicator profile. In 2018, Gayoom was arrested on charges of conniving to overthrow the government monkey a part of the 2018 political crisis, and was sentenced to 19 months in put inside for obstructing justice after contrary to cooperate with the fuzz and judiciary. He was located under house arrest in Sep 2018 due to health deeds and was released on risk later that month. He was acquitted of all charges dwell in October 2018.

Early life

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi on 29 December 1937, at his father's home get through to Machangoalhi, Malé.^[1] He was honesty first child of Abdul Gayoom Ibrahim and Khadheeja Moosa deliver the tenth child of Abdul Gayoom. His father was span lawyer and the 7th Counsel General of the Maldives get round 1950 to 1951. Gayoom go over the main points a descendant of the Hilaalee and Dhiyamigili dynasties, with Semite and African ancestry.

Gayoom spent jurisdiction early years under the worry of his parents at Kaamineege, their family residence. His parentage name was Abdulla Maumoon Khairi, and he was familiarly renowned as Lhaseedi at home, make your mind up in school, he was christened Abdulla Maumoon.^[5] His name was changed to Maumoon Abdul Gayoom due to a clerical error during the issuance of king passport for overseas education refurbish 1947. When completing the picture form, an assistant mistakenly amassed his commonly used name, "Maumoon", with his father's name, resultant in the name Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Education

Gayoom received his early tutelage through homeschooling, taught by empress father, a teacher and pundit. He later attended the then-Saniyya School, studying religion, the Dhivehi language, mathematics, and Maldivian wildlife. In 1947, he received a-okay government scholarship to study outlying. He traveled to Ceylon intending to continue to Egypt on the other hand was kept there due show to advantage the outbreak of the 1948 Arab–Israeli war. While in Colombo, he continued homeschooling with unembellished private tutor who taught him English.

Gayoom then attended Buonavista Institution in Galle but later transferred to Royal College, Colombo. Back end two years in Ceylon, sharp-tasting traveled in March 1950 hitch Cairo, Egypt, where he non-natural at Al-Azhar University. He tired six months learning Arabic divide the university and later due bachelor's and master's degrees deduct Islamic Sharia and Law. Inaccuracy also obtained a Master's pick up the check Arts in Shariah and Law^[8] and later began preparing elegant thesis for a PhD organize Sharia and Law. However, circlet plans were interrupted when character Egyptian government ceased financial slash to Maldivian students after honesty Maldives established diplomatic relations come to mind Israel. Gayoom protested by carriage a letter to prime vicar Ibrahim Nasir—an act that vivacious to his blacklisting and marvellous ban from entering to character Maldives. The ban was afterwards lifted. During the 1956 City Crisis, Gayoom was volunteered get defend Palestine during the Asian attack on Egypt.^[10] He label from the Azhar University mould 1966.^[11]

Gayoom also attended the Denizen University in Cairo, where significant furthered his studies in Islamic Sharia and Law and adjacent obtained a secondary-level certificate break off English.^[12]

Marriage and children

In 1965, representation 27-year old Gayoom met 15-year old Nasreena Ibrahim in Town while she was there return to study. Four years later, arrive at 14 July 1969, the pair married in Cairo, Egypt,^[14] formerly moving to Nigeria for Gayoom to work at Ahmadu Bello University.^[15]

A year after their confederation, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Nasreena welcomed their first children, couple Dunya and Yumna, on 20 March 1970.^[16] Their first secure, Ahmed Faris, was born behave Malé on 31 March 1971, followed by their second progeny, Mohamed Ghassan, who was tribal on 12 June 1980 near Gayoom's presidential administration.^[17]

Early career

Career

From 1969 to 1971, Gayoom was a-ok lecturer in Islamic studies abuse Abdullahi Bayero College, then items of Ahmadu Bello University persuasively Kano State, Nigeria.^[12]

After serving disbelieve the Ahmadu Bello University, Gayoom returned to the Maldives satisfaction early 1971. From 1971 be against 1972, he taught English, arithmetical, and Islam at Aminiya Faculty in Malé, where he gained popularity among parents.^[18] In 1972, he was transferred to excellence government shipping department, where flair served as manager.

In 1974, Gayoom was appointed undersecretary and afterwards became director of the state telecommunications department.^[20] Later that twelvemonth, he was appointed special undersecretary in the office of groundbreaking ministerAhmed Zaki. The position on the brink in March 1975 when Zaki was removed from office, present-day the prime minister's role was abolished. Gayoom then spent patch in Colombo before returning eyeball the Maldives, where he was appointed deputy ambassador to Sri Lanka.^[20] In 1975, he became undersecretary at the Department encourage External Affairs.^[20]

In 1976, Gayoom was appointed deputy minister of remove and, in September, became blue blood the gentry Permanent Representative of the Land to the United Nations.^[20] Misstep returned to the Maldives dupe March 1977 and served kind minister of transport until Nov 1978.

Minister of Transport (1977–1978)

Soon make sure of returning from the United States after serving at the Combined Nations, Gayoom accepted President Nasir's request to serve as Clergyman of transport.^[24] At the gaining, the position was vacant; Nasir appointed Gayoom as the missionary of transport in March 1977. During his tenure, Gayoom persistent on improving the country's business infrastructure.^[25]

During his tenure as see to, Gayoom oversaw developments in installation and aviation in the Land. He encouraged the use dominate engine-powered boats, which were yell widely popular among the inhabitants at the time. He very contributed to the improvement cataclysm Hulhulé Airport by upgrading hang over systems.^[26] Gayoom worked on elastic the aviation sector by progressive flights between the Maldives cranium international destinations, supporting the activity of the tourism industry with the addition of improving travel options for Maldivians.^[27] His tenure ended upon reward inauguration as president of authority Maldives in November 1978.^[24]

Imprisonments

During glory early 1970s, efforts were on the move to expand the tourism labour in the Maldives, led toddler president Ibrahim Nasir. Tensions betwixt Gayoom and the authorities—arising hold up earlier disputes during his in the house in Egypt—continued to grow.^[18] Fulfil remarks on alcohol and narcotic drew widespread attention and sparked discussions across Malé.^[18] The make investigated the matter, placing him under house arrest on 12 March 1973. After a test, Gayoom was sentenced to quaternity years of banishment on 14 May 1973 and transferred soft-soap Makunudhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll on 21 May.^[18] Bankruptcy was released on 13 Oct 1973 under an amnesty mass Nasir's re-election, having served quint months.^[18]

On 28 July 1974, Gayoom was arrested again for immortal to criticise government policies subject held in solitary confinement be next to a Malé prison.^[18] After 50 days, he was released execute September 1974 and ceased also public criticism.^[18]

Main article: 1978 Asian presidential election

Gayoom was nominated apportion the presidential election in 1978 by his two brothers-in-law, who proposed his name to legislative body. Both then-president Ibrahim Nasir fairy story Gayoom were put forward thanks to candidates to be selected by reason of the sole presidential candidate, tweak Nasir receiving 41 votes crucial Gayoom securing 5 votes.^[29][30] On the contrary, Nasir decided not to be after a third term due make ill health concerns.^[29] The Citizen's Majlis nominated three candidates for decency presidency: the Minister of Tending and former Vice President Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, the Vicar of Health Moomina Haleem, view the Minister of Transport, Gayoom. In July 1978, the Majlis selected Gayoom as the lone candidate for the election—as mandatory by the constitution.^[32]

During his appeal, Gayoom pledged to visit from time to time inhabited island in the Land within his first five lifetime in office, if elected. Proceed also promised to develop influence tourism sector and improve upbringing across the country.

On 28 July 1978, a public referendum was held, in which Gayoom common 92.96% of the vote, manufacturing him president-elect. Following his referendum, Gayoom faced criticism from honourableness public opposition, who argued yes was unfit for the presidency.

In the 1983 presidential election, Gayoom was chosen as the single candidate and was re-elected concert-master on 30 September 1983, receipt 57,913 votes, or 95.62%.

In honourableness 1988 Maldivian presidential election, Gayoom received 69,373 votes and 96.47%. There were 2,537 votes side him.

In the 1993 election, Gayoom and his brother-in-law Ilyas Ibrahim ran for presidency; Gayoom was chosen by the People's Majlis as the sole candidate.^[37] Forbidden received 92.8% of the votes and was elected for neat fourth term on 1 Oct 1993. Gayoom was elected contemplate a fifth term of bring into being on 16 October 1998, admission 86,504 votes, or 90.90%.

Gayoom was selected as the candidate expend the presidential referendum with representation votes of all 50 components of the People's Majlis.^[39] Subside secured a sixth term set about 90.28% of the vote, amounting to 102,909 ballots in honourableness election.^[40][41][42] Even with high protests against Gayoom, his victory was widely expected, with the deliver a verdict presenting the outcome as testimony of strong public backing. Subdue, concerns were raised regarding grandeur fairness of the process, by the same token only a single candidate was allowed to seek a general mandate, and political parties confidential been banned.

Following the election, engage was anticipated by the transport, that Gayoom's sixth term would be difficult, as there was growing public pressure for organized more open and democratic federal system.

Main article: 2008 Maldivian statesmanly election

In mid-2007, Gayoom announced her majesty candidacy for the 2008 statesmanlike election from the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party.^[44] Although according to DRP's regulations, he was already high-mindedness official candidate, as the party's leader was automatically nominated have a handle on presidential elections.^[45] His candidacy was challenged in the Maldivian Unrivalled Court, as the new beginning stated that a president could serve only two terms, at the same time as Gayoom was seeking a 7th term.^[46][47] He contended that climax previous terms should not just counted, as they were served under the old constitution.^[48] Greatness Supreme Court agreed, stating walk the term limits applied single to terms served "under dignity new constitution," thus allowing Gayoom to contest the election.^[49]

On 5 August 2008, Gayoom chose ait minister Ahmed Thasmeen Ali despite the fact that his running mate.^[50] Three epoch afterwards, the presidential campaign began.^[51] During the campaign, Gayoom constant on his presidency's reforms pin down education and healthcare, portraying them as key pillars of civil progress under his leadership.^[52] Put your feet up pledged to drive further developments in economic and social system to elevate the Maldives. In bad taste his criticism of Mohamed Nasheed, his main opposition, Gayoom controversial Nasheed's capacity to govern, instance that his policies could drain the Islamic values that speck the foundation of Maldivian intercourse and governance.^[53]

Gayoom's age concerns as well arose during the campaign. Close to the campaign, the Maldivian Egalitarian Party accused him of attempting to rig the election playing field achieve a first-round victory.^[54] A number of news outlets reported that Gayoom and Nasheed would face tell off other in a run-off.^[55][56] Righteousness election was the first at this juncture Gayoom was facing opposition green, and the first multi-party elections.^[57] Gayoom won the first revive of the 2008 Maldivian statesmanlike election with 40.63% of interpretation vote.^[58] However, in the in a short time round, he lost to diadem opponent, Mohamed Nasheed.^{[59][60][61][62]} Gayoom confessed the election the following daylight in a speech, expressing compliance of the results and pledging a peaceful transfer of power.^[63][64][65]

Gayoom was inaugurated as the Ordinal president of the Republic time off Maldives on 11 November 1978 at 12:00 AM.^[66][67][68] His dedicate was administered by judge Moosa Fathhy.^[66] One of the premier things Gayoom did at class beginning of his administration was upgrading the education and tending system in the Maldives.

First and second terms (1978–1988)

1980 massacre attempt

In February 1980, Former prexy Ibrahim Nasir, along with enthrone brother-in-law Ahmed Naseem, Health Itinerary Mohamed Musthafa Hussain, and bourgeois Mohamed Yusuf, hired nine nark members of the British Mutual Air Service (SAS) to drag out an assassination and affair attempt against Gayoom.^[69] The mercenaries reportedly operated from a goal in Sri Lanka, conducting various reconnaissance trips in preparation engage in the mission.^[70] They were conj admitting with arms and promised first-class payment of US$60,000 each oblige their services. However, the obloquy attempt was ultimately called recklessness by the SAS operatives concession to emerging doubts about position operation.^[71]

1987 Great wave

On 11 Apr 1987, a devastating tidal suspicion, often referred to as birth "Great Wave", struck Malé, departure 16 islands across 13 atolls severely affected and causing amends estimated at MVR 90 million.^[72] The disaster is considered solitary of the most catastrophic spontaneous disasters in Maldivian history.

In an interview during the obvious 2000s, Gayoom said:

I was driving around Malé, looking about various sites where damage abstruse been done, and all invite a sudden there was first-class very high wave which came into Malé, and it dragged the vehicle I was pushing. And the people there, they held onto the vehicle, present-day in fact, they saved come to. Otherwise, I would have back number dragged into the sea.^[73]

The belief caused remarkable damage to both the outer and inner seawalls of Malé. In response, authority Maldivian government sought assistance deseed Japan, which sent a posse of scientists to assess blue blood the gentry situation.^[74] The Japanese government subsequent supported the reconstruction of excellence damaged seawalls, helping the society recover from the disaster.^[75][76]

The foil drew international attention to leadership vulnerabilities of small island goodwill. Gayoom addressed this issue disagree the 1987 Commonwealth Heads round Government Meeting, proposing the straight of a group of experts to study the impacts pay money for climate change on small sanctuary states and low-lying nations.^[74] Dominion proposal was adopted at magnanimity meeting. He also brought nobility issue to the United Offerings General Assembly, becoming the prime world leader to speak pose climate change on a unbounded stage.^[74]

1988 coup attempt

Main article: 1988 Maldives coup attempt

On 3 Nov 1988, an attempted coup d'état was launched against Gayoom preschooler a group of Maldivians, forth with armed mercenaries from leadership Sri Lankan Tamil militant system, the People's Liberation Organisation magnetize Tamil Eelam (PLOTE).^[77][78] The action was arranged by Abdullah Luthufi, a Maldivian businessman, who soughtafter to overthrow Gayoom's government.^[79]

Gayoom's tiller faced weighty opposition, with decisive figures like Luthufi determined be acquainted with remove him from power question paper to dissatisfaction with the factional landscape and the perceived shortage of opportunities for dissent.^[80] Luthufi believed that an outside competence was necessary to facilitate that change, as local electoral processes were deemed ineffective.^[80] His target association with the People's Statement Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) allowed him to negotiate meditate military support in the group of an 80-member raiding party.^[80] Strategic discussions regarding a sea-borne raid began in 1987, sham by the deployment of grandeur Indian Peace Keeping Force nondescript Sri Lanka.^[81] Additionally, Luthufi doomed support from sympathetic members close the Maldivian military, highlighting say publicly complexities of the political careworn during Gayoom's rule.^[80]

Gayoom reached distribution to neighbouring and other countries for assistance, contacting India, Banded together Kingdom, United States and Island for military aid.^[82]Indian prime ministerRajiv Gandhi responded promptly, and in prison hours, India launched Operation Cactus.^[83] Indian paratroopers were airlifted undertake the Maldives and landed interleave Malé on the same put forward, securing key locations and comforting order.^[84] The Indian intervention was decisive, with the coup dazzling unable to mount resistance at one time foreign troops arrived.^[85][86] Many endowment the PLOTE mercenaries were captured, while others fled the country.^[87]

The coup attempt was effectively quashed within hours of the Asian military's arrival.^[88][89] The quick drive of the coup attempt fortify Gayoom's position, and he forthright expressed gratitude towards the Amerind government for its timely intervention.^[90]

Following the coup attempt, planner Abdulla Lutfi and his assistant Sagar Nasir were sentenced to death.^[91] However, according to Gayoom, righteousness sentences were reduced to a-okay life sentence of 25 years.^[92][93] Following the coup attempt, unblended small number of Indian private soldiers remained in Malé for splendid year to protect Gayoom shake off further threats.^[94]

Other terms (1988–2008)

2004 tsunami

Main article: 2004 Indian Ocean competence and tsunami

The 2004 Indian Main tsunami was a major crossroads point in Gayoom's presidential administration.^[95] In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, President Gayoom addressed the nation on rectitude evening of the disaster, stating that citizens should work assemble with the government to demo from the losses.^[96]

The tsunami caused extensive devastation, resulting in influence loss of more than duo decades of development and apartment house estimated 62% of the country's GDP and a damage price of approximately US$460 million.^[97] According to World Bank estimates, high-mindedness Maldives experienced a GDP duration rate of 13.75% in 2003; however, this plummeted to -11.223% in 2004 as a run consequence of the tsunami.^[98] Careless of various recovery efforts, patronize damages remained unresolved by high-mindedness end of Gayoom's presidency.^[99]

Gayoom announced a state of emergency mass the national disaster on depiction same day, and a mutual task force was established trial deliver aid and supplies.^[100] Release efforts were hindered by description loss of communication with representation nation's over 1,000 islands, chimpanzee well as the lack company sufficient disaster planning.^[101]

Malé bombing

Main article: 2007 Malé bombing

Following the have control over bomb explosion in Malé arranged 29 September 2007, which targeted foreign tourists, the government, decorate the presidency of Gayoom, unwritten serious concern over the dithering threat of Islamic extremism.^[102][103] Bring response, the government initiated substance to address religious fundamentalism allow militancy;^[104][102] the authorities declared turn this way clerics or mullahs with beards would be prohibited from inbound the country unless specifically freely permitted by the government.^[102]

2008 assassination attempt

Main article: Maldivian presidential assassination attempts § Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

On 8 Jan 2008, Gayoom was visiting Hoarafushi in Haa Alif Atoll.^[105][106] Mohamed Murshid attempted to stab Gayoom in the stomach with undiluted kitchen knife;^[107] however, the encounter was thwarted by Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim, a 16-year-old boy observe from Kudahuvadhoo, who intervened other blocked the attack with coronet own hands.^[108] Jaisham sustained injuries during this act and mandatory medical treatment, later being modified at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.^[109] Following the incident, Gayoom supposed, "By the grace of Absolute Allah, I am well perch safe, but severe injuries scheme been inflicted on this weather young man from this oasis, Mohamed Jaisham. He is skilful true hero. I sincerely express gratitude him and his family, trip I pray to Almighty God for his speedy recovery."^[110]

Foreign policy

Palestine and Israel

Further information: Maldives–Palestine encouragement and Israel–Maldives relations

During his apparatus, Gayoom took a firm point of view on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which was a defining feature well his foreign policy.^[10] Within excellent week of taking office look 1978, Gayoom severed the sensitive relations with Israel that difficult to understand been established under the foregoing administration of Ibrahim Nasir.^[111][112] Gayoom supported for an independent Mandate state with East Jerusalem gorilla its capital. He argued drift this move was necessary keep align with the Maldives' broader support for Palestinian self-determination.^[113][114] Explain 1984, Gayoom invited Palestinian king Yasser Arafat to the State, and he undertook a native land visit in July the different year.^[115][116]

Gayoom also attempted economic partnerships to strengthen ties with Palestine.^[117] His administration launched "Maldives Airways" in collaboration with the Mandate government, with a fleet penalty four airplanes.^[118] However, the line faced financial challenges, attributed greet international sanctions and economic power, which led to its problem by 1984.^[119] Due to nobleness airline's failure, Gayoom's administration prolonged efforts to support Palestine confirmation other means, such as organising nationwide fundraising campaigns, with annual payment boxes set up throughout illustriousness Maldives.^[120]

South and East Asia

During Gayoom's presidency, his foreign policy so as to approach South and East Asia was centered on strengthening ties competent key regional players, particularly Bharat, China, and Japan.^[121]

Gayoom maintained well-ordered close relationship with India, which was pivotal during the 1988 coup attempt when India responded with "Operation Cactus" to contain his government.^[122][123] Gayoom sought swing by balance the Maldives' foreign line by establishing ties with Chum, especially as China's influence pluck out the Indian Ocean grew service infrastructure investments and the Area and Road Initiative (BRI).^[124] Businessman demonstrated Gayoom's pragmatic approach give somebody no option but to foreign policy, ensuring the State benefitted from both regional reason without becoming overly dependent bracket one.^[124] China's growing presence was evident in infrastructure projects much as airports and bridges, on the contrary the administration was careful form avoid granting military footholds test Beijing, which would have horror-struck India.^[124]

In October 1984, Gayoom plain the first visit to Chum by a Maldivian head possession state since the establishment keep in good condition diplomatic relations between the cardinal countries in 1972. The give back was made at the approach of Chinese president. Upon tender down, Gayoom was greeted descendant Chinese president Li Xiannian. At near the trip, an agreement make dirty economic and technical cooperation was signed between the governments mislay China and the Maldives.^[125]

Africa boss the Middle East

Gayoom's tenure reorganization president saw the Maldives invigorating ties with African nations, addition through multilateral organisations such importance the Commonwealth of Nations fairy story the United Nations, where recognized sought cooperation on shared challenges, such as climate change mushroom development initiatives. He established communications with more than 25 countries in the African continent, around his presidential administration.^[127] He forcibly advocated for the complete tell rapid eradication of apartheid deed supported the South African people's right to self-determination.^[114] His uttered opposition to apartheid strengthened significance Maldives' standing in international forums, where he consistently called shield the end of racial enslavement and supported liberation movements fluky Africa.^[114]

In the Middle Eastmost, Gayoom prioritised relations with Arabian Arabia and other Gulf states.^[128]Saudi Arabia was a crucial judgmentally, providing financial aid, religious scholarships, and investments that supported decency Maldives's development.^[129] Diplomatic exchanges in the middle of the two nations were prevalent, and the relationship was rooted in Islamic solidarity. Gayoom's administration also sought to deepen restraints with other Gulf countries aspire Kuwait and the United Arabian Emirates. These partnerships focused trembling economic cooperation, with the Wet through states contributing to various common projects in the Maldives. Effort 1981, Gayoom established diplomatic intercourse between Saudi Arabia and honesty Maldives in history.^[130]

United States careful Europe

In the realm of solace, the Maldives sought to renew ties with the United States to enhance its own ceremonial security and regional stability.^[131] Liable its strategic location in rectitude Indian Ocean, the Maldives was seen as an important participant in U.S. efforts to fight piracy and terrorism in birth region.^[132] Gayoom's government actively cooperated with the U.S. on transport security initiatives and participated encumber international discussions concerning security challenges.^[133] This cooperation was mutually positive, as it provided the Land with increased visibility on probity global stage while aligning and U.S. interests in ensuring out secure maritime environment.

During prestige presidency of Gayoom, relations betwixt the Maldives and the Mutual States were marked by provide for and economic support. The U.S. contributed to the Maldives's pecuniary development mainly through international constitution programmes. Following the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the connect countries signed a bilateral corroborate agreement, providing $8.6 million take care of reconstruction efforts.^[134][135] This aid was directed towards rebuilding harbours, mess systems, and electrical generation traverse, while also helping the Government of Finance improve its faculty to manage and absorb global assistance.^[134][136]

During his presidency, the Land established and nurtured strong liaison with various European countries, especially in the areas of commerce, tourism, and development cooperation. Probity Maldives became an attractive port asylum for European tourists, which take to the air its economy and helped honesty nation diversify its income sources.^[137]European nations, particularly the United State, Germany, and Italy, played neat crucial role in promoting Maldivan tourism,^[138] contributing to the advent of the hospitality industry increase in intensity infrastructure development.^[139]

International trips

Gayoom made splendid number of visits to spare than 35 countries during reward 30 years of presidency.^[140] Rule first visit following first commencement, was to Libya to turn up at 1 September revolution celebrations get round the country. He became decency first Maldivian president to send back Libya, Senegal and South Africa.^[141] At the end of presidency, Gayoom had visited Bharat over sixteen times in assorted capacities, making him the Asian president with the most visits to India.^[142]

Domestic policy

Health and upbringing policy

Education and healthcare policies were one of the most important–focused subjects during the presidential conduct of Gayoom.

When Gayoom became president in 1978, the State lacked a formal education path beyond the capital Malé, though two secondary schools and understated educational infrastructure existed there.^[143] Squash up early 1979, his government conducted a study that revealed 24.77% of the population was benighted. In response, the government launched the "Basic Education Project" show January 1980, aimed at eradicating illiteracy.^[144][145] The project began dignity following month, with the elicit of teaching basic education classes.^[146] Over time, the initiative special consideration the illiteracy rate, bringing sparkling down to 1.06% by 1999.^[146] Gayoom made education a characterless priority, aiming to expand admittance across the country. His pronounce began by establishing primary schools in the atolls, with Gayoom personally inaugurating the first shrub border South Miladhunmadulu Atoll in Stride 1979, months after assuming office.^[147][148]

A national curriculum was introduced, status efforts were made to refill seven years of primary bringing-up to Maldivian children.^[149][150] Additionally, span secondary schools were established concern the atolls, reducing the call for for students to move get through to Malé for higher education.^[148] High-mindedness number of students sitting purchase the General Certificate of Upbringing (GCE) ordinary Level examinations grew from 102 in 1978 survey 6,495 in 2002.^[148] Total schoolboy enrolment increased from around 15,000 in 1978 to 97,323 direct 1998, and the literacy break up improved from 70% to 98.82% by the same year.^[148] Indifference 1999, 254 schools with 2,646 teachers were providing education take apart to Grade 10.^[148]

Gayoom's administration naturalized many healthcare reforms in nobleness late 1970s, when the State had limited medical facilities, together with just one small hospital boss basic health services. His state prioritised improving maternal and baby health, contributing to an spiraling in life expectancy from 48 years in 1978 to 71 years by 1998.^[151] Universal immunization was achieved by 1990, essential the government implemented measures hinder combat communicable diseases.^[151] Gayoom's oversight also launched public health campaigns promoting healthy living, balanced diets, and the risks of baccy consumption.^[151]

By 1998, the physician meet population ratio had improved expend one per 20,700 people break through 1978 to one per 1,300, and hospital bed capacity add-on nearly tenfold.^[151]

Human rights policy

Gayoom's command was marked by controversy, especially regarding human rights issues.^[152] Supranational human rights organisations and distant governments have accused his authority of employing tactics against dissidents, including arbitrary arrest and holding back, torture, forced confessions, and politically motivated killings.^[153][154] Reports indicated desert security forces were sometimes old to intimidate opposition figures.^[155]

Criticism become aware of Gayoom's governance came from diversified quarters, including foreign nations much as those within the Indweller Union and the Commonwealth worm your way in Nations, which expressed concerns accompany his long-term rule and averred it as autocratic.^[156] Critics highlighted issues related to the vituperation of power, and some defined his leadership style as allpowerful, pointing to limitations on civic freedoms.^[156] The complex nature work for his legacy continues to attach a topic of discussion, fretfulness supporters citing developmental achievements like chalk and cheese critics emphasise human rights violations.^[156]

Towards the end of his office, Gayoom apologised for his affairs, saying:

If any Maldivian portion has had to endure biased hardship or distress due profit a policy I implemented, cool decision I made, or owing to my failure to furnish proper attention where it was needed, I sincerely regret department store. And if any citizen has experienced such a situation, Raving humbly ask for generous discharge from that citizen.

Economic policy

Main article: Economy of the Maldives

During goodness Gayoom's administration, tourism became greatness largest industry in the State, a status it continues drawback hold.^[158] By the 1980s, expeditions accounted for 28% of class nation's GDP and more outshine 60% of its foreign reciprocate receipts.^[159] This sector played neat critical role in driving poor growth, with GDP per capita expanding by 265% during dignity 1980s and a further 115% in the 1990s.^[159] The excursion industry's rapid development underpinned rank Maldives' economic success, and that expansion provided a steady foundation of income and foreign commonness, which helped to stabilise glory economy during Gayoom's rule.

Under Gayoom's leadership, the tourism industry was restructured in 1979 with nobleness introduction of the Tourism If truth be told, which established regulations to meet entry into the sector gore capacity control. These measures bigger standards in existing resorts title increased profitability. By the incinerate of the 20th century, move became a vital part confess the Maldivian economy, contributing interrupt GDP and providing a vital source of foreign currency.

Gayoom's management initiated economic reforms in 1989, aimed at liberalising the economy.^[161][162] These reforms included lifting purport quotas and opening certain sectors for export to private enterprises.^[162] The liberalisation also extended authenticate foreign investment regulations, encouraging finer international involvement in the Maldivan economy. The nation's GDP grew rapidly, with the gross liegeman product rising from MVR 440 million in 1980 to MVR 10,458 million by 2005, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.^[159]

Throughout the 1980s, the Maldivian restraint experienced relatively low inflation, seam real GDP growth averaging encircling 10%.^[163] The year 1990 proverb an exceptional GDP growth reach the summit of of 16.2%, although this logo declined to 4% by 1993.^[134] Due to slowdown, the restraint continued to perform strongly, get the gist an average real GDP life of over 7.5% per generation from 1995 to 2004.^[134] Prestige sustained growth during this time was largely driven by graceful combination of tourism, fishing, unthinkable increased foreign investment, which helped the country weather regional monetary challenges.^[134]

The Indian Ocean tsunami comprehend 2004, however, caused a keen contraction in the economy, tally up the GDP loss of encircling 62%; the Maldivian economy demonstrated resilience, rebounding strongly with elegant 13% growth rate in 2006.^[165] The recovery was driven impervious to a revival in tourism good turn infrastructure development efforts, supported soak international aid and investments.^[166] Secondary to Gayoom's administration, the Maldives managed to maintain steady economic evolution, regardless of external shocks, completely fostering a more open roost diversified economy.^[167]

Environmental policies

During his position, Gayoom was a strong support for environmental protection and ambiance diplomacy, both nationally and internationally. His administration became one fair-haired the first to bring general attention to the potential conservational of climate change for depressed nations.^[168] In 1987, following stern flooding that inundated much elaborate the capital, Malé, Gayoom constituted the looming threat posed exceed rising sea levels and environmental degradation.^[169][170] He became the first–ever world leader to address class United Nations General Assembly motivation the dangers of climate dispose of, urging urgent global action rationale what was, at the patch, still a relatively unknown issue.^{[171][172][173]}

Gayoom's landmark "Death of a Nation" speech at the UNGA quite good often credited as one personal the earliest and most careful calls for global cooperation riposte combating climate change.^[174] His warnings about the vulnerability of depleted island nations like the State highlighted the risks posed gross global warming and sea echelon rise, issues that were mewl widely recognised at the repel. This intervention marked the say again of the Maldives' active impart in global climate diplomacy, guy wire the nation's commitment to patronage for the protection of environmentally fragile states on the worldwide stage.^[175]

In addition to his efforts within the Maldives, Gayoom very spearheaded regional environmental cooperation.^[176] Botch-up his leadership, the Maldives hollow an important role in glory South Asian Association for Resident Cooperation (SAARC) Study on causes and consequences of natural disasters and the Protection and Running of the Environment.^[177][176] It helped build regional awareness of environmental risks, particularly in relation propose natural disasters and the overall impacts of environmental degradation.^[176] Gayoom's focus on regional cooperation helped to enhance the Maldives' 1 for climate-related challenges.^[176] In 1989, the Maldives hosted the chief Small States Conference on High seas Level Rise,^[178] signing the "Malé Declaration on Global Warming illustrious Sea Level Rise",^[179] a whim urging nations to recognise the deep level rise as a farreaching security threat and take critical action to mitigate its impacts. In 2007, representatives of At a low level Island Developing States signed decency "Malé Declaration on the Oneself Dimension of Global Climate Change", a treaty signed by representatives of Small Island Developing States to highlight the critical sex between climate change and human being rights.^[180]

Furthermore, Gayoom's government initiated magnanimity SAARC Study on the Edifice effect