Rapid situation assessment of gangs in Male’

Abstract

Gang violence in the Maldives is becoming increasingly commonplace and the nature of violence more brutal as new types of drugs and weapons are used. There are reportedly between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Male’ with 50 to400 members in each group. According to the National Values Survey (NVS) conducted by The Asia Foundation (Foundation) in 2011, residents of Male’ see gang violence as a key challenge facing the city and even gang members themselves have expressed concern about the escalating violence. Gang violence impacts almost all citizens of the capital in one way or another. Businesses and neighbourhoods frequently have property damaged during gang violence; youth congregate in public areas, often using drugs and starting fights; and during political rallies gangs are seen on the streets causing chaos. Causes of gang violence cannot be readily distinguished from broader problems relating to social welfare. The current research shows that although young people are at the forefront of gang violence, they are not entirely to blame and there are many factors that drive youths to join gangs and participate in gang violence. As revealed in the NVS,1 a widespread breakdown in family structures has begun to lead young people to look for new ways of belonging in an effort to replace the security and structure of a family. Young people often turn to drugs to get away from their family problems, which contributes to their ending up in a gang. Weak democratization in some areas also plays a key role in furthering gang activity. According to gang members, gangs are often propped up by actors with political and business interests who readily exploit gangs to achieve their aims. This means that participation in gangs has become an easy path for young people seeking to earn a living—in an environment where many face difficulties in finding employment. Further to this, the police and the broader justice system are viewed by many as furthering problems for youth by handing out harsh sentences and criminal records for minor offences. In general it might be observed that there is increasing disillusionment among young people that democracy can provide a solution to the country’s problems as the political leaders themselves are seen to be embroiled in perpetuating undemocratic practices.