The Analyser - Politics

The United Suvadive Republic (Dhivehi: އެކުވެރި ސުވައިދީބު ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ) was a nation formed for a brief period of time by a group of republican separatists led by people in the remote southern atolls of the Maldives, namely Addu, Huvadu and Fuahmulah. Their independence was declared on January 03, 1959 and the nation capitulated and claimed back in September 23, 1963.
Suvadive (Dhivehi: ސުވައިދީބު) was originally an ancient name for the three southern most atolls of the Maldives.

Among those who were convicted for the uprising against the militiaman was a young, educated and well respected individual known as Abdullah Afeef Didi, who served as a translator to the British during their post. The new prime minister appointed him as the liaison officer between the British and the locals. Shortly afterwards in December of 1958, the government announced plans for a new tax infliction on boats. This caused an infectious rise of riots throughout the atoll which led to several attacks on government buildings, once again forcing officials to retreat to the safety of the British barracks. They owed their lives to Afeef Didi, who warned them of the impending unrest. [3]

Four days later, on January 03, 1959 a delegation of the Addu people arrived on Gan and declared their independence to the British. When he refused to accept the leadership offered by this delegation, Afeef Didi was threatened with his life and wellbeing, which ultimately gave him no choice but to take the role of the executive head of the state. He was chosen to lead them because of the British insistence on a trustworthy leader whom they were familiar with, before backing the rebellion. [4]

The newly formed republic flourished and soon wanting to share its wealth and prosperity, the two other southern atolls of Huvadoo and Fuvahmulah joined Addu to form the United Suvadive Republic.

They travelled independently to these countries without stopping over at Malé; hence there was no government control over these trade affairs. However, Mr Nasir introduced measures which were unfavourable to the three southern most atolls including the prohibition of direct sail to the neighbouring countries without clearing through Malé. The workers in Addu who could have enjoyed the benefits of direct payment from the British were also disappointed with the arrangement in which they were paid through the government in Malé. They believed that the government controlled the exchange rates to their disadvantage.

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