The Ministry of Internal Affairs held its final Oath of Allegiance ceremony for the year 2024. The event, presided over by the Principal Secretary for the Immigration Department, Mr. Allain Volcere, marked a significant milestone for 12 individuals who have successfully met the criteria to be granted citizenship.

 

The ceremony highlighted the culmination of the individuals' journeys toward becoming citizens, underscoring the values of loyalty and commitment to the nation. In his address, the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka congratulated the new citizens, encouraging them to uphold their responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the country.

The ceremony signifies the Ministry’s ongoing dedication to fostering inclusivity and adherence to the nation’s immigration and citizenship laws.

The Minister of Internal Affairs recently met with Ms. Maria Martinez, Head of Cluster Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), accompanied by Ms. Marie-May Esparon, Secretary General of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.

 

During the meeting, Ms. Martinez highlighted ongoing collaborative projects between the IFRC, the Division of Risk and Disaster Management (DRMD), and other government entities to enhance disaster risk management efforts. She commended Seychelles for its significant progress in implementing planned initiatives and encouraged broader departmental support to establish effective early warning systems.

The Minister expressed gratitude for the team's dedication and reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing disaster preparedness and resilience. Also in attendance were Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure, Executive Director of the Minister’s Secretariat, and Mr. Jean-Yves Joseph, Programme Coordinator for the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.

The Republic of Seychelles actively participated in the Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government, which was held on 20th November 2024 in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe. This significant event was chaired by H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, under the overarching theme of peace, security, and regional stability.

Representing President Wavel Ramkalawan at the Summit was Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka. Seychelles joined fellow Member States in discussions focused on addressing critical issues impacting the region, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

 

During the Summit, Member States expressed profound concern over the worsening situation in the eastern DRC, which continues to have grave implications for peace and stability within the region. The leaders reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering commitment to finding a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict, reiterating the importance of regional solidarity in achieving peace, stability, and security in the DRC.

The Summit also celebrated the successful holding of peaceful elections in the Republics of Mozambique, Botswana, and Mauritius. Member States extended their congratulations to the newly elected leaders, commending the commitment of these nations to democratic processes and governance.

 

The Seychelles delegation called for enhanced and coordinated efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. The delegation underscored the importance of adopting a collaborative approach, bringing together all relevant stakeholders to work within the established framework for coordinating and harmonizing peace initiatives and processes across the region. Seychelles reiterated its steadfast support for SADC’s mission to promote peace, security, and development in the region.

 

The Summit marked yet another milestone in fostering regional unity and collaboration among SADC Member States. Seychelles remains committed to its role as an active member of the community, advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize peace, human rights and sustainable development for all. The Minister was accompanied by the Director of the National Information Sharing Coordination Center (NISCC) Captain Gerald Wong-Pool, Director General for Regional Affairs Mr. Christian Faure and Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministers Secretariat Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.

The Seychelles recently participated in the 9th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Namibia. This important event brought together nations, organizations, and stakeholders to share best practices and strengthen disaster resilience across Africa.

The Seychelles' delegation, led by Minister Charles Fonseka, played a key role in the discussions that took place over the course of four days. Minister Fonseka also served as a panel member for a plenary session on the topic of "Reducing Loss and Damage: Saving Lives and Protecting Investments," contributing valuable insights on reducing loss and damage, particularly within the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

 

Minister Fonseka and other Seychelles representatives actively contributed to high-level meetings and discussions, shaping the direction of disaster risk reduction in Africa. The Seychelles also engaged with various organizations, including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), to further its commitment to disaster risk reduction. This included solidifying plans to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

 

Minister Fonseka also participated in the 8th High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), where the Windhoek Declaration was implemented. The Declaration calls on all members of society to take part in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) activities and urges countries to mainstream DRM into development programs across all sectors.

 

During the mission, Minister Fonseka engaged in a bilateral meeting with Mr. Kamal Kishore, the newly appointed United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The mission resulted in concrete plans for improving emergency communication networks, integrating disaster law into national policy, and enhancing communication strategies for disaster preparedness.

The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Robert Ernesta, Director General of the Disaster Risk Management Department (DRMD), Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure, Executive Director in the MIA Secretariat, Mr. Romano Songor, Executive Director from the Ministry of Local Government & Community Affairs (MLGCA), and Miss Maria Evenson, Economist from the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade (MFNPT).

 

Looking Ahead:

The Seychelles delegation's contributions to AfRP-9 will help inform future national and regional strategies for building resilience against natural disasters. We remain committed to protecting our communities and advancing disaster risk reduction initiatives.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, warmly welcomed His Excellency Mr. Henk Jan Bakker, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, during a courtesy call aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Seychelles and the Netherlands.

 

Minister Fonseka expressed Seychelles' appreciation for the Netherlands' unwavering contributions to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, particularly through the European Union naval operations, such as EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta, which have played a critical role in securing key maritime routes. "The Netherlands' involvement in Operation Atalanta has been pivotal in countering the threat of piracy near the Somali coast. Seychelles recognises the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to tackle these evolving threats," said Minister Fonseka.

 

The discussions also underscored the importance of burden-sharing in maritime security, with Seychelles expressing gratitude for the Netherlands’ contributions in naval assets, logistical support, and joint training exercises. The two nations discussed the urgent issue of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens both the region's economic stability and marine ecosystems. Seychelles praised the Netherlands for its leadership in global fisheries management.

Minister Fonseka also recognised the Netherlands' commitment to promoting Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through the CRIMARIO project and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation to better monitor and secure Seychelles’ maritime zones.

The meeting further highlighted past cooperation between the two countries in prison services, with the contribution of a Dutch correctional facility professional to the development of Montagne Posée Prison from 2011 to 2014. Seychelles is keen to explore new opportunities for collaboration in this sector.

 

Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Netherlands, particularly in the face of evolving maritime security challenges. Minister Fonseka concluded by expressing his eagerness to deepen cooperation in operational responses, legal reforms, and capacity building to ensure the security of our shared waters.

 

The meeting was also attended by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Civil Status Mr. Allain Volcere, Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Francis Songoire , Director of NISCC Captain Gerald Wong-Pool, Executive Director Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure and Chief Inspector of the Seychelles Prisons Services Gerry Uranie.