President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday presented a commemorative shield to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, recognising his leadership during the 3 November 1988 terrorist attack on the Maldives. The ceremony, held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education, formed part of the Victory Day observance, which marks the nation’s successful defence against a foreign-led assault.
President Gayoom, who also holds the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee (GODRG), was honoured for his role as president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces during the crisis.
The attack, orchestrated by foreign mercenaries in coordination with six Maldivian nationals, sought to destabilise the government and undermine national sovereignty. Nineteen Maldivians were martyred in the confrontation, which remains one of the most significant threats to the country’s security in recent history.
Victory Day, observed annually on 3 November, commemorates the resilience of the Maldivian people and the leadership that guided the nation through the emergency.
As the assault unfolded, President Gayoom assumed immediate command of the national response. He mobilised cabinet ministers, the Ministry of Defence, and other key institutions, issuing directives to coordinate the country’s defence. His efforts extended beyond the capital, with measures taken to monitor the welfare of citizens across the country.
From the moment the first shot was fired, President Gayoom remained at the helm. His leadership was marked by strategic clarity and an unwavering commitment to national security, working without pause until the threat was neutralised.
A defining element of the response was his swift engagement with international partners. Drawing on longstanding diplomatic ties, President Gayoom secured immediate military assistance from neighbouring India. The rapid deployment of Indian forces proved instrumental in repelling the attackers and restoring order.
The events of 3 November underscored the strategic depth of Maldivian foreign policy at the time, affirming the country’s ability to mobilise international support in moments of existential threat. In the early hours of the response, President Gayoom’s family was relocated to the headquarters of the Maldives National Defence Force (then known as the National Security Service), with assistance from both domestic forces and the arriving Indian contingent.