President’s Office Directed to Disclose Details of Political Appointee Dismissals

The Information Commissioner’s Office has directed the President’s Office to disclose details regarding the dismissal of 248 political appointees under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s economic reform agenda.  

The directive was issued following a review hearing prompted by the President’s Office’s refusal to comply with a Right to Information (RTI) request submitted by daily newspaper Mihaaru. The President’s Office had initially rejected the request, claiming that the information sought pertained to personal data of individuals.  

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However, Information Commissioner Ahmed Aahid’s decision today stated that while the permanent addresses of political appointees may constitute personal information and do not need to be disclosed, the names and roles of political appointees appointed by the president are not confidential. The President’s Office has been instructed to provide the requested information within five days, although it retains the right to appeal the decision at the High Court within 30 days.  

President Muizzu announced in October that the government would reduce the number of political appointees as part of cost-cutting measures, initially estimating 228 dismissals. Later, the President’s Office confirmed that 248 appointees had been removed. According to the President the dismissed appointees included seven state ministers, 43 deputy ministers, 109 senior political directors, and 69 political directors.  

The administration has faced mounting criticism over its policy on political appointments. Despite pledging to keep the number of appointees below 700, estimates suggest the number may be much higher, with the government reluctant to disclose details regarding political appointments.