Maldives News | Dhivehi Observer | South Asia | Chikaa and the swords... the Dictator’s own private militia

Special Report

Chikaa and the swords... the Maldives Dictator's private militia

Dhivehi Observer, 11 December 2007

Over the last 2 years, gang violence has been a major cause of concern for the residents of Male'. Like the brutal murder of Ali Ishaar last week, some are paying the highest price with their lives, as the government completely fails to control the situation.

There are many theories and speculations about who really is behind all this gang violence in the country, especially in Male'. However, one thing is very clear to most of us and that is these gang leaders, who come from very normal and simple families, have been able to operate above the law, which is the reason why we are unable to see a solution to this terrible problem.

Gang leaders, like Chikaa (most people don't even know his real name 'Ibrahim Nafiz' and is just in his early twenties), have been named and shamed by the media on many occasions. Eyewitnesses have reported that Chikaa is not only ruthless in his activities but also very heavily protected by the regime. Sources link him directly to the Dictator, who gives orders to Chikaa and other gang leaders through his loyal agents in the regime.

Pictures of Chikaa on his Facebook profile showing off his mighty sword are a clear testimony that he is operating above the law. "Everyone knows who he is, and what his businesses are. He deals with these swords; he is involved in drug dealing as well as in distributing counterfeit money. Of course, he is just the front man. The real culprits are the Dictator and his regime loyalists," said a senior citizen of Male'.

A relative of Chikaa told DO, "he came to Male' very young and started mixing with the wrong crowd. He rose through the ranks and is now a leader, he is fully protected by the regime so in a sense he is untouchable". A friend of Chikaa said, "he is a pleasant and well presentable guy, but he can be very ruthless. It is best to leave him alone. He also wants to live the high life and drive big cars, so like many, he has chosen the wrong path to achieving his objectives. But, people should be warned. He is physically very strong and should not be approached. He will not hesitate to slice you up in two". Chikaa is originally from the island Nadella, in Huvadhoo Atoll.

Similarly, the most wanted man now in connection with the murder of Ali Ishaar earlier this month, Rabarey was in fact arrested just a few months ago, whilst trying to flee the country after a previous gang fight in which one person died in Male'. However, police did not only fail to lock him up, they even failed to bring a case against him. And, once again, he is amongst the most wanted people in the country. His whereabouts has been informed to the police by many. However, they are not acting on the information they are getting from the public and media sources. This just goes to show how heavily they criminals are protected.

According to some sources, Chikaa and Rabarey, are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many others like him, who are dangerously armed with swords, machetes and box-cutters. These items were imported directly with the approval of the Dictator, in order to create chaos and unrest in Male', which he thought would force the public to abandon the calls for democratic reform. He wanted the public to believe that the main cause for these fighting and unrest is the introduction of multiparty democracy, as was advocated by his family members at the time.

Public calls for dealing with these criminal elements are falling on deaf ears, and time and time again we see that the criminals are able to roam free, just days after terrible incidents, such as the recent murder case. It is also a well known fact that people like Chikaa and Rabarey get paid handsome amounts to disrupt opposition rallies and demonstrations. Furthermore, the attacks on opposition members and their families, such as the box-cutter attack on MDP's Vice President Zaki's son is without a doubt the works of these criminal elements in society who remain at large, despite calls from the public to put an end to their movements and activities.

There is absolutely no doubt that unless we are able to get rid of this murderous dictator, we are going to have to accept the hard reality of living in a war zone.

visit www.delightmaldives.com

click here to visit kobaaNet