The government of the Maldives officially declared its intention to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Nations, citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s stance on human rights and governance issues within the country. The announcement came amidst rising tensions in Maldivian politics, particularly under the administration of President Abdulla Yameen, who had faced criticism from international observers regarding democratic backsliding and suppression of dissent. The Maldives, which became a member of the Commonwealth in 1982 and had suspended its membership previously in 2016 before reinstating it, reflected a complex relationship with international institutions. The withdrawal was framed by officials as an assertion of the country's sovereignty and an indication of its desire to pursue independent foreign policy initiatives without external pressure.