United Suvadive Republic

Origins

Discontent in the three southernmost atolls, Addu, Huvadhu and Fuvahmulah, over taxes and Male's attempts to restrict trade led to revolt in 1959. Abdullah Afeef, a local leader at Addu, where the British had an air base at Gan, was declared president of the United Suvadive Republic, with Hithadhoo as its capital.

Rule and society

The republic traded directly with Ceylon and with the British base, and set up its own government and postal system. Britain offered tacit support but never granted recognition. The government in Male under prime minister Ibrahim Nasir sent armed forces, which suppressed the Huvadhu rebels in 1962.

Decline and legacy

The republic was dissolved in 1963, and Afeef went into exile in the Seychelles with British help. The atolls returned to the Sultanate of the Maldives.