A 30-day state of emergency has been lifted early in the Maldives after “important progress” in an inquiry into a blast on President Abdulla Yameen’s boat.

The state of emergency was declared on November 4 to aid security forces after what the government said was a plot to assassinate Abdulla Yameen.

Abdulla Yameen narrowly escaped injury when a blast struck his boat last month.

US investigators said they had not been able to find any evidence that the blast was an assassination attempt.

Photo Reuters

“We are pleased that this matter has been dealt with so swiftly. We are looking forward to getting the country back on a more normal footing,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Dunya Maumoon.

The state of emergency gave wider powers to police and armed forces to arrest suspects and suspend freedom of assembly and movement. Members of the country’s military patrolled the streets while it was in effect.

It came two days before a planned protest by the country’s main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The Maldives, a popular destination for honeymooners and other tourists, has been rocked by political unrest in recent months. VP Ahmed Adeeb was impeached earlier this month, accused of involvement in the alleged boat assassination plot.

Ahmed Adeeb, whose predecessor was also impeached in July, is accused of high treason, a charge he denies.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has declared a 30-day state of emergency ahead of a planned anti-government rally.

The president’s declaration gives security forces sweeping powers to arrest suspects.

The move comes two days before the planned protest by the country’s main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed was jailed in March after a widely criticized conviction under anti-terror laws.

“President Yameen has declared (a) state of emergency to ensure the safety and security of every citizen,” his spokesman Muaz Ali tweeted.

Attorney-General Mohamed Anil said a cache of firearms and explosives had recently been discovered, as well as plots to use dangerous weapons.

On November 2, authorities said they had defused a bomb planted near the presidential palace.

“The military and police found weapons and an explosive from two locations,” Muaz Anil said.

“Because these would be a threat to the public and the nation, the National Security Council has advised to take immediate steps to protect the people of Maldives,” he added.

The Maldives has been rocked by political infighting in recent weeks, with Vice-President Ahmed Adeeb arrested in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the president by blowing up his boat.

Abdulla Yameen narrowly escaped injury but his wife was hurt when a blast struck the boat, which he was using to return home from the airport last month.

Ahmed Adeeb has been charged with treason.

The FBI in the US investigated the blast and said it found no evidence that it was caused by a bomb.