President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the citizens of Maldives not to advocate religious extremism.
While addressing at the opening ceremony of “The National Dialogue on Promoting Peace and Security” organized by National Counter Terrorism Center and UNDP, the president said ideologies that support radical Islam could upset the peace and security of the nation. He further noted that Maldivians have always co-existed peacefully in unity without much difference in opinion over matters.
However, different propaganda are at work behind the scenes to bring about disagreements in the society, and negligence in raising children according to Islamic values is causing undue differences within the society, noted the president.
While two extremes exist where one group supports terrorism and extremist ideologies, and the other ridicules and blasphemies Islam, the President stressed the importance of maintaining the Maldives' peaceful identity in the international world.
The President also noted that several Maldivians are promoting violent extremism and taking part in civil wars of other foreign nations, which negatively affects the country and its economy. He reiterated the importance of seeking a solution to such issues, noting that more than 35% of the country's population accounts for the youth of the nation, and it is the ideologies of the youth that would shape the nation.
Noting the urgency of the matter, the president further pointed out that initiatives such as the National Dialogue on Promoting Peace and Security are key to identifying the causes of violent extremism, and the best ways to address them.
The President further urged all citizens to be free from extremism, and to uphold the country’s peace and harmony.
