Mass demonstration on the street of Male’ and other larger islands is the only way to remove Gayyoom for power

Editorial
Mass demonstration on the street of Male' and other larger islands is the only way to remove Gayyoom from power

by A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe') - 27th February 2005

The public outcry on September 19^th 2003 after witnessing the brutal murders of Evan Naseem and his colleagues like Abdulla Ameen was extraordinary. Gayyoom's brutality was fully exposed that day and ever since there has been vocal criticism and organised opposition against him. His image of a benevolent leader is no longer the case and world over now know what kind of a ruthless dictator he is. However, to this day, people are still waiting for him change or even step down but everyone knows that Gayyoom has no intention to surrender his palaces and other amenities and everything indicates that he wants to cling on to power for as long as he can and pass the reign of power to his daughter Dunya Maumoom. Even international political analysts have made this prediction.

Nevertheless, in the face of gruesome brutality of Gayyoom who has used military power to quell peaceful demonstration of August 13^th 2004, we Maldivians are absolutely terrified of the consequences of participating in such a demonstration so soon. This is in spite of the fact that Gayyoom has not demonstrated any real change in his policies nor has he begun to adhere to the constitution of the country.

We are now led to believe that he wants to introduce democratic reform and rule of law, in other words establish a civil society, after being in power for almost 30 years. But the fact of the matter is that we all know what he is up to. Even now he is interfering with the workings of the parliament and attempting to amend the constitution to his advantage, such as appointment of a Prime Minister and allowing women (Dunya) become president, after his demise.

One thing is absolutely crystal clear. For as long as we act as we are afraid of him, he will continue to manipulate us and take advantage of us. He will continue to sustain his oppressive rule and will never give us the freedom and liberty that we, as human beings, deserve. If he really wanted to reform the country, he should let the press and media be completely independent. He should cease the policy of intimidation and arbitrary arrests of people who oppose his policies.

There is no other way to bring an end to this tyranny. Popular disquiet is already there but action must be taken to defeat Gayyoom's brutal rule and that action is mass demonstration. If we don't do that, we will be stuck with Gayyoom till his death after which we will be stuck with his family rule. Is that what we deserver or rather is that what we want for the future generations?

Gayyoom’s police do not have the physical capability to stop the mass. His 4,000 or so, well paid police force are not all bad people. Our brothers and sisters are there, will they shoot at us? Unlikely so it is fair to assume that most of them will side with the people if there is such a demonstration. Unlike the Black Friday, this time demonstration must be organised in all larger islands like capital Male', Addu Islands, Fuah Mulaku and Laamu Gan. It is absolutely certain that the international community will not turn a blind eye to the pleas of Maldivians anymore and Gayyoom obviously does not have the power to kill all Maldivians.

Where are the good men and women of Maldives? Why can’t we all just make ourselves heard, peacefully and defend our nation for the benefit of us all.

"The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing."- Edmund Burke