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"Maumoon" redirects here. For other uses, see Maumoon (disambiguation).

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom NGIV GCMG GOM
Formal Portrait, 2008
3rd President of the Maldives
In office 11 November 1978 – 11 November 2008
Vice President	None
Preceded by	Ibrahim Nasir
Succeeded by	Mohamed Nasheed
Minister of Transport
In office 29 March 1977 – 11 November 1979
President	Ibrahim Nasir
Preceded by	Hassan Zareer
Succeeded by	Hassan Zareer
Personal details
Born	Abdulla Maumoon Khairi (1937-12-29) 29 December 1937 Malé, Maldive Islands
Political party	Reform (2019–present)
Other political affiliations	Independent (1978–2005, 2017–2019) Rayyithunge (2005–2011) Progressive (2011–2017)
Spouse	Nasreena Ibrahim ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	Dunya Yumna Faris Ghassan
Parent	Abdul Gayoom Ibrahim (father)
Alma mater	Al-Azhar University Buona Vista College Royal College American University Ahmadu Bello University Aligarh Muslim University Jamia Millia Islamia Pondicherry University
Signature
Other offices 1975–1976: Deputy Ambassador of the Maldives to Sri Lanka 1976: Deputy Minister of Transport 1976–1977: Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations 1989–1993: Minister of Finance 1993–2004: Minister of Finance and Treasury 1993–2004: Minister of Defence and National Security

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (/ɡaɪˈjuːm/ gah-YOOM; born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi; 29 December 1937) is an Maldivian statesman, diplomat and scholar who served as the 3rd president of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. He previously served as the Minister of Transport from 1977 to 1979, and as the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations from 1976 to 1977. After serving six presidential terms, Maumoon became the longest serving president in Asia.

Gayoom was born and raised in Malé. After graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, he returned to the Maldives in 1971 and worked as a teacher at Aminiya School. He was later appointed the manager of shipping department at the government. Gayoom was placed under house arrest in 1973 for criticizing the policies of the then-president Nasir. He was later banished to Makunudhoo for four years but was released five months later as part of an amnesty following President Nasir's re-election for a second term. In 1974, he was arrested again for his continued criticism of Nasir's policies, but after 50 days in jail, he was freed and, in 1975, appointed as Special Undersecretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Gayoom later served as the deputy ambassador of the Maldives to Sri Lanka and was appointed deputy minister of transport under minister Hassan Zareer. After serving as deputy minister, he was appointed Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations in 1976. Following the vacancy of minister of transport, Gayoom was appointed to the position. As president Nasir chose not to seek re-election, a vote in the Citizen's Majlis which selected Gayoom as the candidate. In July 1978, Gayoom won the presidential referendum with 92.96% of the vote.

During his administration, economic policies prioritized infrastructure development and tourism, which significantly boosted the nation's economic growth. He introduced educational reforms that expanded access to primary and secondary education and improved healthcare by establishing new health facilities. In response to political unrest and calls for greater democracy, Gayoom initiated constitutional reforms transitioning from a presidential to a semi-presidential system, intending to increase political participation and transparency. However, his presidency faced criticism for restricting political freedoms and suppressing opposition. The 1988 coup attempt prompted a focus on strengthening the armed forces. The 2004 tsunami had a profound impact on his administration, leading to the loss of 62% of the GDP and nearly two decades of development, which reshaped his policies and necessitated extensive reconstruction efforts. Despite challenges, Gayoom's long tenure, strict policies, and human rights violations, earned him a reputation as a dictator.

Following his defeat in the 2008 presidential election to Mohamed Nasheed, which marked the Maldives's first multi-party elections, Gayoom adopted a low public profile. In 2018, Gayoom was arrested on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government as a part of the 2018 political crisis, and was sentenced to 19 months in prison for obstructing justice after refusing to cooperate with the police and judiciary. He was placed under house arrest in September 2018 due to health concerns and was released on bail later that month. He was acquitted of all charges in October 2018.

Early life

Gayoom while in Egypt

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi on 29 December 1937, at his father's home in Machangoalhi, Malé. He was the first child of Abdul Gayoom Ibrahim and Khadheeja Moosa and the tenth child of Abdul Gayoom. His father was a lawyer and the 7th Attorney General of the Maldives from 1950 to 1951. Gayoom is a descendant of the Hilaalee and Dhiyamigili dynasties, with Arab and African ancestry.

Gayoom spent his early years under the care of his parents at Kaamineege, their family residence. His birth name was Abdulla Maumoon Khairi, and he was familiarly known as Lhaseedi (Seedi Jr.) at home, while in school, he was called Abdulla Maumoon. His name was changed to Maumoon Abdul Gayoom due to a clerical mistake during the issuance of his passport for overseas education in 1947. When completing the passport form, an assistant mistakenly combined his commonly used name, "Maumoon," with his father's name, resulting in the official name Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Education

At the age of ten, Gayoom was given a government scholarship to study in Cairo, Egypt in 1947. Due to the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, he stayed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for two and a half years, during which he studied at Buona Vista College in Galle and Royal College in Colombo. Gayoom arrived in Cairo on 6 March 1950 at the age of twelve, at 4:00 a.m. Upon his arrival in Cairo, he enrolled at Al-Azhar University, where he completed both his first degree and master's degree in Islamic Sharia and Law. Gayoom identified his area of research for his thesis and submitted a proposal, which was accepted by the university, leading to his registration as a PhD student. However, when the government of Ibrahim Nasir recognized Israel and established diplomatic relations, Gayoom expressed his strong opposition by sending an letter to Nasir. As a result, he was banned from entering the Maldives and placed on a government blacklist, forcing him to live abroad for twenty-four years. During his time at Azhar University, Gayoom also spent six months learning Arabic and later joined the faculty, graduating in 1966. Additionally, he obtained a secondary level certificate in English from the American University in Cairo.

After marrying Nasreena Ibrahim in 1969, Gayoom joined Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, where he served as a lecturer in Islamic Studies. He received the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) from Aligarh Muslim University in 1983, Jamia Millia Islamia in 1990, and Pondicherry University in 1994.

Marriage and children

Portrait of Maumoon and Nasreena, 2004

In 1965, the 27-year old Gayoom met 15-year old Nasreena Ibrahim in Cairo while she was there to study. Four years later, on 20 July 1969, the couple married in Cairo, Egypt, before moving to Nigeria for Gayoom to study at Ahmadu Bello University.

A year after their marriage, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Nasreena welcomed their first children, twins Dunya and Yumna, on 20 March 1970. Their first son, Ahmed Faris, was born in Malé on 31 March 1971, followed by their second son, Mohamed Ghassan, who was born on 12 June 1980 during Gayoom's presidential administration.

Early career

Upon completing his two-year contract with Ahmadu Bello University, Gayoom returned to the Maldives in 1971. Shortly thereafter, he commenced his teaching career at Aminiya School, instructing students in English, arithmetic, and Islam. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as manager of the government shipping department in 1972, where he oversaw operations and contributed to the development of maritime services in the Maldives. On 12 March 1973, his outspoken criticism of President Ibrahim Nasir's human rights policies resulted in his arrest and subsequent house arrest. Following a court trial, he was sentenced to four years of banishment on 14 May 1973, and on 21 May, he was taken to Makunudhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. However, his confinement was cut short, and he was released on 13 October 1973, after serving just five months, due to an amnesty granted following Nasir's re-election for a second term.

In 1974, Gayoom was appointed as undersecretary in the Telecommunications Department, later rising to the position of director. Concurrently, he contributed to education as a part-time teacher at various private schools, focusing on Islam, Arabic, and English. His commitment to advocacy for human rights and government transparency continued, leading to his arrest on 28 July 1974 for further criticisms of Nasir's administration. He was detained in solitary confinement in a Malé prison.

Following his release in September 1974 after 50 days, he was appointed special undersecretary in the office of Prime Minister Ahmed Zaki. However, this position was rendered obsolete when Zaki was removed from office in March 1975. Despite this setback, upon his return from Colombo, he assumed the role of Deputy Ambassador of the Maldives to Sri Lanka. Gayoom was later appointed the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations. He later became Deputy Minister of Transport.

Minister of Transport (1977–1979)

Soon after returning from the United States after serving at the United Nations, Gayoom accepted President Nasir's request to serve as Minister of transport. At the time, the position was vacant; Nasir appointed Gayoom as the minister of transport in March 1977.

Presidency (1978–2008)

Other terms

2004 tsunami

Main article: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

President Maumoon addressing the nation following the tsunami, 26 December 2004

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a major turning point in Gayoom's presidential administration. In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, President Gayoom addressed the nation on the evening of the disaster, stating that citizens should work together with the government to recover from the losses.

The tsunami caused extensive devastation, resulting in the loss of more than three decades of development and an estimated 62% of the country's GDP. According to World Bank estimates, the Maldives experienced a GDP growth rate of 13.75% in 2003; however, this plummeted to -11.223% in 2004 as a direct consequence of the tsunami. Despite various recovery efforts, many damages remained unresolved by the end of Gayoom's presidency.

2008 assasination attempt

Main article: Maldivian presidential assassination attempts § Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom shakes hands with scout boys seconds before the assassination attempt

On 8 January 2008, Gayoom was visiting Hoarafushi in Haa Alif Atoll. Mohamed Murshid attempted to stab Gayoom in the stomach with a kitchen knife; however, the attack was thwarted by Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim, a 16 year old boy scout from Kudahuvadhoo, who intervened and blocked the attack with his own hands. Jaisham sustained injuries during this act and required medical treatment, later being treated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. Following the incident, Gayoom stated, "By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am well and safe, but severe injuries have been inflicted on this brave young man from this island, Mohamed Jaisham. He is a true hero. I sincerely thank him and his family, and I pray to Almighty Allah for his speedy recovery".

Post-presidency (2008–present)

Gayoom's Award winner portrait, 2013

Works cited

• Ellis, Royston (1998). A Man for All Islands – President Gayoom of the Maldives. Times Editions. p. 256. ISBN 9812048529.
• Riyaz, Ibrahim (2018). "Ancestor Report – Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom". Feydhoo Roots. Retrieved 29 September 2024.

External links

• Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at the president's office website
• Speeches by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at the president's office website
• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in libraries (WorldCat catalog)
• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at BBC News website
• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on X Twitter
• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on the Independent

Posts and offices held

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
• 1937 births
• Living people
• Presidents of the Maldives
• 20th-century presidents of the Maldives
• 21st-century presidents of the Maldives
• Maldivian dictators
• Maldivian people with Arab descent
• People from Malé
• Politicians from Malé
• Maldivian Muslims
• Permanent Representatives of the Maldives to the United Nations
• Transport ministers of the Maldives
• Governors of Maldives Monetary Authority
• Finance ministers of the Maldives
• Defense ministers of the Maldives
• Al-Azhar University alumni
• Alumni of Royal College, Colombo
• The American University in Cairo alumni
• Ahmadu Bello University alumni
• Academic staff of Ahmadu Bello University
• Maldivian expatriates in Nigeria
• Aligarh Muslim University alumni
• Jamia Millia Islamia alumni
• Pondicherry University alumni
• Stabbing survivors
• Politicians arrested in the Maldives
• Candidates for President of the Maldives
• Heads of government who were later imprisoned
• Recipients of the Order of Ghazi
• Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
• Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana
• Recipients of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa
• Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party politicians
• Progressive Party of Maldives politicians
• Leaders of Progressive Party of Maldives