The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, led the Seychelles delegation at the 1st China-East Africa Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation, held in Beijing. Co-chaired by Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, H.E. Wang Xiaohong, and Burundi’s Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security, Mr. Martin Niteretse, the dialogue focused on enhancing regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
Minister Wang Xiaohong highlighted China’s commitment to strengthening security ties with East African nations, elevating China-Africa relations to the level of a strategic partnership. The discussions focused on addressing emerging law enforcement challenges and advancing the Global Security Initiative.
In his address, Minister Fonseka reaffirmed Seychelles’ dedication to fostering regional and international cooperation in security and law enforcement. “We gather to discuss a matter of great importance to our shared future: the common aspiration and shared commitment to building a China-East Africa community of law enforcement and security in this new era,” he stated.
Minister Fonseka also emphasized the importance of addressing global security threats such as transnational crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and cyber threats, calling for unity and collaboration to ensure peace and stability. He further highlighted Seychelles’ strategic position in the Indian Ocean and the nation’s role in maritime security, particularly in combatting piracy and safeguarding vital trade routes.
This dialogue marks an important step in strengthening security cooperation between China, Seychelles, and other East African nations as they work together to tackle modern law enforcement challenges.
A significant step forward in the fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) was taken today as stakeholders gathered for a workshop aimed at strengthening criminal justice responses in Seychelles. The event is organized under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) project, “Enhancing Effective and Victim-Centered Criminal Justice Responses to TIP in Eastern Africa”, with funding support from the U.S. Department of State.
This initiative is designed to bolster the strategic and operational capacities of Eastern African Member States, including Seychelles. It focuses on the development and enhancement of national legislation, standard operating procedures, and action plans aligned with the Palermo Protocols. Ultimately, the project seeks to prevent, suppress, and punish TIP-related crimes while ensuring comprehensive protection and support for victims.
In support of this effort, the UNODC Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) recently published the UNODC Regional Legislative Assessment on TIP in Eastern Africa. This assessment highlights gaps in national anti-trafficking legislation and coordination across 13 Member States, including Seychelles. Building on this analysis, the UNODC has partnered with the Government of Seychelles to conduct scenario-based simulation exercises and deliver joint training sessions for law enforcement officers, reinforcing the country’s ability to respond effectively to TIP cases.
Today’s workshop marks a significant milestone in promoting a more coordinated, victim-centered approach to combating trafficking. The session brings together experts and practitioners from across sectors to share best practices and deepen collaborative efforts. Training is being led by UNODC Trainer Ms. Carmen Corbin, with additional expertise provided by Mr. Gerhard van Rooyen and Ms. Marce Gillespie from the International Criminal Court.
The workshop underscores Seychelles’ continued commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing justice mechanisms to address one of the region’s most urgent human rights challenges.
The Minister of Internal Affairs bid farewell to outgoing members and welcomed the new Prison Advisory Board at the Ministry. In the meeting, the Minister, alongside the new Commissioner of the Seychelles Prison Services, Mrs. Janette Georges, discussed the future of the prison system. Key topics included enhancing uniformity in operations, focusing on inmate rehabilitation, and the opening of a new remand center on Perseverance.
The new board emphasized the importance of mental health support, capacity building, and strategies to reduce re-offending. Minister Fonseka thanked the previous board for their contributions and expressed optimism about the fresh insights the new board members will bring.
The board and the new Commissioner of Prisons are committed to supporting the Seychelles Prison Services in their mission to help inmates reintegrate into society successfully. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards improving the prison system and ensuring the successful rehabilitation of inmates. The members are Mrs. Desiree Hermitte, Mr. Jude Marie, Imam Henecka ,Ms. Marguerite Francis and Dr. Michael Hall.
In a training session delivered by our Public Relations Officer, Ms. Juliette Ernesta, the Minister’s Secretariat team learned how to utilize this innovative tool. This entirely digital feedback form will help us better register feedback from the clients who visit us, ensuring we continue to improve our services.
Customers can now easily provide their feedback by scanning a QR code or clicking a link to access the survey online on https://forms.office.com/r/VKNmRzQ3tu. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing services across all departments within the Ministry.
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In a heartfelt meeting held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Internal Affairs bid farewell to two esteemed members of the prison advisory board, Mrs. Bella Henderson and Pastor Eddy Payet. This marked the end of their dedicated service to the board, where they played crucial roles in advising on prison management and rehabilitation programs.
Mrs. Henderson and Pastor Payet were commended for their unwavering commitment and significant contributions. Their expertise and insights have been invaluable in shaping policies and improving the conditions and operations within the prison system. The Minister expressed gratitude for their hard work and dedication, highlighting the positive impact they have had during their tenure. Ex Commissioner of the Seychelles Prison Services Raymond St Ange thanked both members and spoke of the excellent collaborative work the board has done over the years.
Both outgoing members shared their reflections and experiences, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to serve and their hopes for the future of the prison advisory board. The Minister emphasized the importance of the advisory board's role in maintaining a fair and effective prison system and assured that their successors would continue to build on the work of both Mrs. Henderson and Pastor Payet.
The Immigration & Civil Status Department held its second oath of allegiance ceremony for this year yesterday morning in the Ministry of Internal Affairs boardroom. During the ceremony, 11 individuals received their Seychellois citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements and completing the citizenship process.
The Minister of Internal Affairs addressed the attendees, emphasizing their new roles as ambassadors of Seychelles. He stated, "Despite your various backgrounds and origins, you are being called upon to be ambassadors of your new country. Make good use of your knowledge and experience to promote Seychelles, to serve its interests, and to participate actively towards its development through volunteering during times of need and contributing towards the well-being of your respective communities as a law-abiding citizen."
The ceremony also saw the participation of Mr. Alain Volcere, the Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department, who led the group in reciting the oath in unison while facing the flag of Seychelles.
The new Seychellois citizens are:
1. Mr Stephen Tuu-Issaka
2. Mr James Webb
3. Mrs Kuniko Boniface
4. Mr Patrick Lawrence
5. Mrs Miriam Cook
6. Mrs Hoticia Brioche
7. Mrs Maria Florine
8. Mrs Amina Charo
9. Mr John Johnstone
10. Mrs Anziza Gonthier
11. Mrs Venessa William
On Nelson Mandela Day, the Seychelles Prison Services (SPS) held a significant ceremony at the University of Seychelles to unveil their new strategic plan. This event marked a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the correctional system in the country, aligning it with international standards and best practices.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Internal Affairs delivered a poignant speech, emphasizing the importance of the Mandela Rules in prison reform. These rules, formally known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, provide guidelines to ensure humane conditions and the respect of human dignity within correctional facilities.
The Minister praised the Seychelles Prison Services for their dedication to upholding these values, highlighting the progress made in recent years. He commended the efforts of the SPS in transforming the prison system into one that not only focuses on security and containment but also on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
The unveiling of the new strategic plan represents a forward-thinking approach to address current challenges and set a clear direction for future developments. This plan includes initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing training for prison staff, and implementing programs that support the mental health and well-being of inmates.
The ceremony was a testament to the commitment of the Seychelles Prison Services to foster an environment that respects human rights and promotes positive change. By observing Nelson Mandela Day in this manner, the SPS demonstrated their alignment with the global movement towards more humane and effective correctional systems, honoring Mandela's legacy of justice and equality. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education Dr Justin Valentin, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs Patricia Francourt amongst other distinguished guests.
- Courtesy Call of Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Seychelles
- Courtesy Call of the High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Mozambique to the Republic of Seychelles
- European Union (EU) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) signs agreement to implement the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) programme
- Workshop on Africa Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Critical Infrastructure.
- Minister Charles Fonseka Meets EASF Director to Strengthen Humanitarian Cooperation and Bilateral Ties