Parliament Speaker and Chairperson of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has expressed his belief that the "Finifenmaa" presidential launch bombing was a staged incident.
The "Finifenmaa" explosion refers to an incident in 2015 when a bomb detonated on the presidential launch "Finifenmaa," which was carrying then-President Abdulla Yameen after his return from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Several cabinet ministers and top government officials were also aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. The explosion resulted in injuries to the-then First Lady, Fathimath Ibrahim, and some of Yameen's bodyguards. Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb was initially charged with terrorism and sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the incident. However, these charges were later overturned.
In an interview given to Sangu TV on Tuesday, Abdul Raheem spoke out about the incident and said upon further reflecting on the incident, he is now convinced that the explosion was a "drama" orchestrated by Yameen. However, he did not provide any facts to back his claim.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that President Yameen has lost the support of the people due to making baseless statements,” Abdul Raheem said. He further suggested that those currently standing with Yameen were likely involved in the Finifenmaa incident.
Abdul Raheem said he is surprised by the manner in which Yameen is critical of current President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for governing the country differently than he did. Noting that three Vice Presidents, three Defense Ministers, and several other ministers were replaced several times during Yameen's government, this is not how a state should be run, and it is not the way Dr. Muizzu wants to govern the country, he said.
Abdul Raheem further said President Yameen cannot tolerate someone other than him is in power. However, today the President of the country is Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Abdul Raheem reminded President Yameen.
