Maldivian State Minister for Tourism Accuses MDP of Plot to Target Resorts

Maldivian State Minister of Tourism Mohamed Nihad on Monday accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of planning a terrorist attack aimed at harming the country’s tourism industry.

Speaking at a ruling PNC rally, Nihad claimed that the MDP was planning an attack on three international-brand resorts near Malé, alleging that the plan was part of a campaign to disrupt the government’s efforts to attract two million tourists to the Maldives this year.

“This attack is planned to prevent large investments,” Nihad said, urging tourism sector employees not to participate in any activities allegedly aimed at harming the industry.

Nihad linked the purported plot to the Labour Union, which he alleged was affiliated with the MDP.

The MDP has condemned the allegations in the strongest terms, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a statement, the party called for an investigation into what it described as “lies told at the PNC rally” that the MDP was planning a terrorist attack targeting the tourism industry. The Labour Union has also rejected the claims, maintaining its focus on protecting workers’ rights.

Nihad’s comments have drawn attention due to his past political affiliations. A former MDP member of parliament, he campaigned for the party’s re-election before switching allegiance to the Progressive National Congress (PNC) after being offered a state minister position.

The government has not provided evidence to support Nihad’s allegations.