On Monday, 1st September 2025, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Errol Fonseka, had the honour of receiving H.E. Mrs. Olivia Berkely-Christmann, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Seychelles, for a farewell courtesy call.
Minister Fonseka expressed heartfelt appreciation for the longstanding support of the French Government, highlighting the excellent collaboration between our two nations and the impactful training opportunities provided by France that have greatly benefited Seychelles.
Also present were representatives from key departments under the Ministry: Seychelles Prison Service (SPS), Seychelles Fire & Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA), Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), and Immigration and Civil Status (ICS).
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in areas of mutual interest and looks forward to working closely with the incoming ambassador to advance ongoing initiatives and deepen bilateral ties.
We extend our best wishes to Ambassador Berkely-Christmann for continued success and thank her for her dedication to fostering strong relations between Seychelles and France.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, held a courtesy call with representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Discussions focused on ongoing and future projects between UNODC and Seychelles, including the feasibility of establishing a Regional Drug Observatory (RDO). The meeting highlighted the importance of a coordinated regional response to transnational crime, with Seychelles reaffirming its leadership role and strong commitment to addressing these challenges.
Minister Fonseka emphasized the far-reaching effects of transnational crimes not only on the region but globally, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in the right infrastructures to safeguard national and regional security.
Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director of the National Information Sharing & Coordination Centre (NISCC) and Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea (Reflecs3) highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts and the continued commitment of Seychelles to play an active role in regional initiatives against transnational crime.
Sgt. Jerrold Morel, Vice Chairperson of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee(NCCC), also emphasized the Government’s investment in cyber security, underlining its importance in strengthening resilience against evolving threats.
The United States and UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) were recognized for their continued support in delivering maritime capacity-building initiatives. The establishment Centre of Excellence further demonstrates the US’s dedication and UNODC’s expertise in materializing initiatives of regional impact.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Shah-Faure, Executive Director of the Ministers Secretariat, alongside Ms. Merideth Manella from the U.S. INL, and Mr. Rodrigo Contreras Cardona, Ms. Toral Vadgama, and Ms. Pooja Bissonauthsing from UNODC.
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Republic of Seychelles stands in solidarity with the international community in reaffirming our collective commitment to eradicating one of the most egregious violations of human rights human trafficking.
The 2025 theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” underscores the complex and systemic nature of this crime. Trafficking in persons is not an isolated occurrence; it is frequently orchestrated by sophisticated criminal networks that transcend borders and, alarmingly, infiltrate our own communities.
Human trafficking constitutes modern-day slavery. It manifests in various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, child trafficking, and organ trafficking. Regrettably, this is not a distant issue, it is a pressing national concern.
In Seychelles, we are witnessing a troubling rise in trafficking-related activities. As of June 2024, four active cases are before the Supreme Court, involving 31 Seychellois citizens from diverse backgrounds. This represents the highest number of such cases recorded within a comparable timeframe. A landmark conviction in November 2024, involving both minor and adult victims, further affirms the presence and severity of this crime within our jurisdiction.
Moreover, we are observing a disturbing trend wherein Seychellois men are being exploited abroad under the pretext of acting as guarantors in drug trafficking operations. Simultaneously, migrant workers in Seychelles continue to face exploitative labour conditions, often with limited avenues for redress.
It is imperative to dispel the misconception that trafficking only involves foreign nationals or cross-border movement. Trafficking can and does occur domestically. Vulnerability, whether due to poverty, unemployment, addiction, emotional dependency, or age, is the primary risk factor. Victims are often manipulated through deception and coercion, without the need for physical restraint.
As the Ministry responsible for leading the national response to trafficking in persons, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening legislative and enforcement mechanisms, enhancing victim support and protection services and promoting inter-agency coordination among law enforcement, the judiciary, and civil society.
However, the success of our efforts depends on the vigilance and engagement of every citizen. We urge the public to remain informed, observant, and proactive. If you suspect exploitation, report it. Your action could save a life. Let us stand united in dismantling trafficking networks, safeguarding the vulnerable, and building a Seychelles where every individual can live in dignity, safety, and freedom.
The Government of Seychelles, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) and with the support of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), officially inaugurated the Seychelles Centre of Excellence on August 21st, 2025.
The Centre will serve as a regional platform for training, operational mentoring, and professional development in maritime law enforcement and judicial cooperation, further strengthening security in the Western Indian Ocean.
In his address, the Minister of Internal Affairs emphasized that the centre represents a major milestone in strengthening law enforcement capabilities across the Western Indian Ocean. He highlighted that, it will equip professionals with the skills to respond effectively to maritime threats, ensure successful legal outcomes, and enhance the collection of intelligence and forensic evidence. He further underlined that the establishment of the Centre reflects Seychelles’ firm commitment to implementing the Regional Drugs Strategy adopted at the Ministerial Conference on Drugs in Mauritius in April 2024.
The ceremony was attended Minister for Health Mrs Peggy Vidot , Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs Patricia Francourt, Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Ted Barbe, Chief of the Seychelles Defense Forces Major General Micheal Rosette, Charge D'Affaires of the U.S Embassy Mr. Adham Loutfi as well as regional and international partners.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs had the honour of receiving H.E. Mr. Zokey Ahad, High Commissioner-designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, accompanied by Mr. Md. Jahangir Alam, First Secretary (Political) and Head of Chancery at the Bangladesh High Commission in Mauritius, during a courtesy call. Discussions focused on enhancing diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Bangladesh.
H.E. Mr. Ahad also shared the positive feedback he has received from Bangladeshi nationals currently working in Seychelles, who have expressed appreciation for the welcoming environment and opportunities provided to them.
The Ministry values this continued engagement and looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
On Monday 11th August we kicked off a three-day training on sensitization on Trafficking in Persons, held in collaboration with the Social Affairs Department.
A group of 27 young people from Port Glaud, Glacis, Belombre, Beau-Vallon and Au Cap came together to learn how to recognise the warning signs of trafficking, understand how traffickers operate, and strengthen their ability to stay safe.
The Minister of Internal Affairs addressed the group, reflecting on how, in his youth, adults played a more active role in ensuring the safety of young people. He reminded them that today’s world is different and that they must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and group activities, participants explored how traffickers use different methods including online platforms to target young people. They also learned about the emotional and physical impacts of trafficking, and ways to protect themselves both offline and online.
This training is about empowering our youth with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to make informed decisions and protect themselves from those who may seek to exploit them. Also present at the ceremony was the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Adham Loufti and a team social workers from the Department of Social Affairs.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Michael S. Mattis, Director, Strategic Effects, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Commander, and his delegation.
The meeting, which was attended by Heads of Departments from across the Ministry, served as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and reaffirm the partnership between Seychelles and the United States in promoting maritime security and regional stability.
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