Malé, Maldives — Maldives celebrated Victory Day with a robust display of national pride and a pledge of loyalty from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
In a ceremony at the Republic Square, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Major General Ibrahim Hilmy lauded the progress achieved under President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu’s administration, crediting the government for its commitment to elevating the military.
Major General Hilmy underscored the significance of having a Supreme Commander with “deep love” for the Maldives, stating that President Muizzu’s leadership had brought new strength and visibility to the MNDF.
This year’s Victory Day was celebrated with heightened pageantry, marking a shift from past observances which, Major General Hilmy said, were “limited to the army level.”
The administration’s focus on honoring this historic day, he noted, reflected a dedication to acknowledging the service and sacrifices of the nation’s defenders.
In his address, Major General Hilmy paid tribute to the courage of martyr Hussain Adam, whose bravery during the 1988 coup attempt is remembered as a symbol of valor within the MNDF. He called upon every soldier to embody that same spirit, emphasizing the military’s readiness to protect the Maldives’ independence at all costs.
The day’s commemorations included an exhibition at the National Art Gallery, displaying artifacts related to the November 3 attacks, offering the public an intimate view of a defining moment in the Maldives’ history.
Victory Day remains a solemn reminder of the military’s pivotal role in the defense of the Maldives, a commitment Major General Hilmy affirmed would continue under this administration’s strengthened military vision.