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.
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.
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 Ministry of Internal Affairs has formally launched the National Tsunami Ready Board, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to enhancing coastal resilience and disaster preparedness.
The ceremony featured the official presentation of appointment letters by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, to the newly nominated Board members. The establishment of the Board falls under the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2014, and reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize disaster risk reduction through structured coordination and oversight.
In his address, Minister Fonseka extended his congratulations and appreciation to the board members for their willingness to take on this critical responsibility. He emphasized the importance of their respective institutions ranging from meteorology and disaster management to policing, coastal development, and emergency response in driving forward national tsunami preparedness. The Minister urged members to translate policy into action and foster a culture of readiness not only for tsunamis but also for other hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, and coastal threats.
The Seychelles National Tsunami Ready Board will serve as the principal national oversight body for the implementation of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. The Programme is a performance-based initiative that enhances community-level preparedness through clear indicators, collaborative planning, and capacity building.
Key responsibilities of the Board include:
- Providing strategic direction and national coordination on tsunami preparedness initiatives;
- Supporting the long-term implementation of the Tsunami Ready Programme across Seychelles’ coastal communities;
- Reviewing and endorsing local applications for Tsunami Ready recognition prior to international submission;
- Promoting sustainable risk reduction practices and institutional collaboration.
Seychelles' commitment to the IOC Tsunami Ready Programme is guided by UNESCO-IOC Manual 74: Tsunami Ready Community Recognition and supported through the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS).
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles is especially vulnerable to ocean-related hazards. The launch of this board represents a proactive step towards building resilience and ensuring that communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from future threats.
Members of the newly appointed Seychelles National Tsunami Ready Board are as follows:
- Mr. Robert Ernesta, Director General, Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD)
- Mr. Vincent Amelie, Chief Executive Officer, Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA)
- Mr. Cyril Bonnelame, Chief Executive Officer, Islands Development Company (IDC)
- Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director, National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC)
- Mr. Peter Estico, Head of Emergency Section, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs
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.
The Government of Seychelles, in partnership with the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held the official signing and symbolic launch of the Transformative Integrated Adaptation and Early Warning System (TIAWES) Project.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the formal commencement of this important initiative through the signing of the project document by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Lin Nan, and the UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Amanda Serumaga.
With a total funding allocation of USD 2,049,530, the TIAWES Project will be implemented by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It aims to strengthen national resilience through the development of integrated early warning systems, enhanced institutional coordination, community preparedness, and improved access to risk data for informed decision-making.
This initiative supports Seychelles’ national priorities under the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Action Plan (2021–2030) and contributes to the global Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
The Ministry expresses its appreciation to all partners involved for their continued commitment to strengthening disaster risk governance and climate resilience in Seychelles. The signing was also attended by the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy, Mr. Favien Joubert, as well as the Director General of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), Mr. Robert Ernesta, and other distinguished guests.
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