Aneesa Ali Didi, the widow of former United Suvadive Republic president Abdullah Afif Didi, is in critical condition and receiving treatment in the Seychelles, according to family members.
Relatives said she is in intensive care but did not provide details of her condition.
Aneesa Ali Didi is linked to a key chapter in Maldivian history through her late husband, who led the United Suvadive Republic, a breakaway government formed in the southern atolls between 1958 and 1963. The entity covered Addu Atoll, Huvadhu Atoll and Fuvahmulah during its brief existence.
The secession unfolded during a period of political strain as the Maldives moved towards modern statehood. The administration adopted a parliamentary structure based on British models.
Following the dissolution of the Suvadive administration in 1963, Afif Didi left the Maldives under British protection and settled in the Seychelles. He remained there for about 30 years until his death in 1993 at the age of 76.
Most of Afif Didi’s family continues to live in the Seychelles, with some members making occasional visits to the Maldives. His son, Ahmed Afif, served as vice president of Seychelles from October 2020 until September last year. Other relatives have also held senior roles in the country.
Born in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll, in 1916, Afif Didi was known locally as “Elha Didige Ali Didige Afeefu”. He worked as a translator for the British military at the Gan airbase due to his fluency in English. In the southern atolls, he continues to be remembered with affection and respect.