In a rousing tribute marking the 133rd anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered a bold message of gratitude and resolve, commending the military’s unflinching role in protecting the country’s independence and dignity through turbulent global tides.
Calling the MNDF the “eternal shield” of the Maldivian people, the President declared that the peace and freedom enjoyed by the nation today are built on the courage and sacrifice of those who stood on the frontlines to defend its sovereignty. “It is through your loyalty, passion, and duty that the Maldivian flag flies untamed,” he said.
President Muizzu praised generations of MNDF personnel for placing the country above all else—even their own families—during times of national crisis. He reaffirmed his confidence that as long as this spirit of selfless service endures, the Maldives will remain sovereign and united.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the President further emphasised that the nation’s every achievement is rooted in its hard-earned independence. “Our success as a people is inseparable from the freedom safeguarded by the MNDF,” he wrote.
The anniversary celebrations culminated in a vibrant military parade held on Friday evening, beginning at Bandaara Koshi and ending near the President’s Office. The event was presided over by President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. Throughout the capital, the MNDF band resonated with patriotic melodies, reviving a legacy of discipline and duty that began on April 21, 1892—when military service was first formalised in the Maldives.
The event served as a striking visual of the military’s diverse responsibilities—from national security to humanitarian assistance—and stood as a powerful reminder of the institution’s evolution alongside the nation itself.
In his commemorative remarks, President Muizzu echoed a clear message: as the Maldives navigates a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, the MNDF will continue to stand as a force of stability, resilience, and patriotism. He credited the force not just with protecting territorial boundaries, but with safeguarding the very fabric of Maldivian identity.
With global tensions rising and regional interests intensifying in the Indian Ocean, the President’s words came as both a tribute and a declaration—that the Maldives, under his leadership, will remain vigilant, united, and firmly in control of its own destiny.
