In a surprising development, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has removed Ibrahim Faisal from his position as Minister of Tourism, a role he had held since November 17, 2023. The President’s Office confirmed the dismissal on Monday but did not provide a specific reason for the decision.
Prior to this announcement, the President’s Office had instructed the cancellation of all official trips scheduled for Faisal in his ministerial capacity, further fueling speculation about internal disagreements within the administration.
In the interim, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has been appointed to oversee the Tourism Ministry until a permanent replacement is named.
Faisal, the son of Parliament Speaker and People’s National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla, acknowledged his dismissal and indicated plans to consult with his father before deciding on his next steps. He expressed intentions to play a more active role in politics moving forward.
This development occurs amid reports of friction between top PNC leaders, including President Muizzu and Abdul Raheem Abdulla. The lack of an official explanation for Faisal’s removal has led to widespread speculation regarding potential internal conflicts within the ruling party.
As the Maldives’ tourism sector remains a critical component of the nation’s economy, the swift appointment of new leadership will be essential to maintain stability and continued growth in this vital industry.
