President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has removed Farumuli, an uninhabited island in Noonu Atoll, from the jurisdiction of Maafaru, reversing a promise he made during his 2023 presidential campaign. This decision, announced in a decree on July 6, 2025, has left Maafaru residents frustrated and questioning the government’s commitment to their community.A Broken Promise
Just one week before the parliamentary elections on April 15, 2024, Muizzu fulfilled a campaign pledge by returning Farumuli and another uninhabited island, Kan’dinmahuraa, to Maafaru’s jurisdiction. These islands, along with 80 hectares of Maafaru’s lagoon, had been removed from the island’s control in 2020. Muizzu’s decision to restore them was celebrated as a victory for Maafaru, signaling his commitment to local priorities.However, the recent decree has undone this promise for Farumuli.
The island is now designated for tourism development, and within hours of the announcement, the Tourism Ministry invited bids to develop a resort on Farumuli. The government has not explained why it reversed its decision, leaving residents and local leaders in the dark.
Mohamed Amir, Vice President of the Maafaru council, voiced the community’s anger and disbelief. He called the tourism announcement a “scam” timed to mislead voters ahead of upcoming local council elections. “They are doing it to deceive the people. No one in Maafaru believes it can be done. But everyone will hope. I hope for it too,” Amir said.
Amir also criticized the government for halting development projects started by the previous administration. “They haven’t even placed a single new rock,” he said, highlighting the lack of progress and growing distrust among islanders. Residents feel betrayed, as the government’s actions seem to prioritize tourism over local needs.
The decision to designate Farumuli for tourism aligns with President Muizzu’s broader push to boost the Maldives’ tourism sector, a key driver of the economy. However, the lack of transparency and the sudden reversal have raised concerns about the government’s priorities. For Maafaru residents, the loss of Farumuli feels like a step backward, undermining the Maldives First promises Muizzu made during his campaign.
