Major General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef was appointed as the Chief of Defence Force, of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on 17th November 2023 by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Born on 17th of April 1964, MG Abdul Raheem completed his schooling from Majeediyya School prior to his enlistment in the MNDF on 18th February 1985. Testament to his leadership abilities, he had been a prefect and house captain at the school in addition to being the Regimental Sergeant Major of the School Cadet Corps.

MG Abdul Raheem started his military career in the Signals and successfully completed a Radio Technical Course in the United States in which he attained the first place. MG Abdul Raheem rose through the ranks of the Signals to hold the appointment of Second-in-Command and contributed immensely to the development of the service.

MG Abdul Raheem is a graduate of the Sri Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College. Furthermore, he has accomplished various trainings including the MNDF NCO Cadre Course, Signals Young Officer and Mid-Career Course in Pakistan and Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management in India. MG Abdul Raheem is also an alumnus of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), Hawaii, having completed the Advanced Security Cooperation Course at the center and attended various regional seminars and conferences.

Major General Abdul Raheem served as the Vice Chief of Defence Force from, 11th December 2018 to 17^th November 2023. During his distinguished military career MG Abdul Raheem has held numerous Command and Staff appointments, including Commandant of MNDF Senahiya Hospital, Commanding Officer of Defence Intelligence Service, Director General of Military Intelligence, Deputy Director General of National Counter Terrorism Center, Commanding Officer of Special Protection Group, Commander of MNDF Southern Area Command, Commanding Officer of Military Police, Acting Commandant of Service Corps and Principle Director – C4 Systems and Civil Military Cooperation, IHQ MNDF.

MG Abdul Raheem held appointment at a number of prominent boards and committee at the MNDF including the apex Advisory Council to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force. He also served as the Official Spokesperson of the MNDF for over a period of four years.

In recognition of his dedicated services MG Abdul Raheem has been decorated with over 17 service medals and ribbons, including the Presidential Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Long Service Medal, Dedicated Service Medal, Defence Force Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 3rd November Medal and the Centenary Medal.

MG Abdul Raheem is married to Aminath Dhihshana and blessed with a son.