The Minister of Internal Affairs recently conducted a site visit to the St. Louis Stabilisation Project, a vital national initiative aimed at strengthening slope stability and safeguarding infrastructure and nearby communities in the St. Louis area. The project is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing resilience against environmental risks, particularly in vulnerable zones.
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the progress of the project and commended the coordinated efforts of the team on-site. A key highlight was his meeting with the group of Seychellois professionals who u derwent specialised training in Switzerland. These individuals are now actively applying the stabilisation techniques and technical knowledge they acquired overseas directly to the St. Louis site.
The local team is composed of representatives from the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), the Seychelles Planning Authority, the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) and Mr. Jean-Luc Mondon from Petro Seychelles. Their involvement reflects a strong inter-agency collaboration and a national push toward building in-country expertise to handle complex environmental engineering tasks.
The Minister expressed his pride in the team's dedication and professionalism, underscoring the importance of equipping Seychellois with world-class knowledge and tools. He noted that such capacity-building initiatives not only benefit the current project but also strengthen the country’s long-term ability to manage similar challenges.
“This project is a clear example of how investment in our people yields results. We are seeing modern techniques being implemented by Seychellois, for Seychelles. This is a sustainable model we aim to continue across the board,” the Minister stated.
The St. Louis Stabilisation Project is progressing steadily and is expected to serve as a model for future slope and infrastructure resilience efforts across the country.
H.E. Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Rwanda to Seychelles, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka during his official accreditation visit.
During the meeting, the Minister extended warm congratulations to H.E. Gen Nyamvumba on his new appointment and welcomed him to Seychelles. The Minister reaffirmed the strong and friendly relations between Seychelles and Rwanda.
Discussions during the courtesy call revolved around deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of law enforcement, prison management, and cybersecurity areas of high priority for the Government of Seychelles. Both parties explored ways to enhance capacity building and technical exchange in these critical sectors.
The Minister emphasized Seychelles' keen interest in developing stronger capabilities in cybersecurity, given the increasing digital threats faced globally. Rwanda’s experience and advancements in this field present valuable opportunities for knowledge-sharing and technical collaboration.
A key highlight of the meeting was the ongoing police cooperation between the Seychelles Police Force and the Rwanda National Police, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2023. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, drug and human trafficking, and includes training in crime intelligence and investigation. The courtesy call concluded with a reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to further deepening cooperation and exploring new areas of mutual interest for the benefit of their respective nations. The Meeting was also attended by the Deputy Commissioner Police Francis Songoire and Chief Immigration Officer Erica Dufresnne
The Cyber Security Authority Tabletop Exercise (TTX) brought together more than 50 I.T and communication professionals from government and private sectors, fostering teamwork and knowledge exchange. Participants had the unique opportunity to engage with the National Cyber Security Coordination Committee (NCCC), strengthening cross-sector collaboration for a more secure digital future.
The closing ceremony highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. The British High Commissioner Mr. Jeff Glekin emphasized the need for continuous capacity building in the evolving cyber landscape and the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats. He commended the participants for their dedication to enhancing cybersecurity resilience and encouraged further collaboration between public and private sectors.
The Minister for Investment and Entrepreneurship, Devika Vidot, congratulated the participants and underscored the government’s commitment to digital transformation. She emphasized that cybersecurity is crucial to ensuring that digital systems remain secure, allowing government and businesses to operate efficiently and effectively. She also noted that such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks and protecting critical infrastructure.
The enthusiasm and dedication of all involved reinforced the importance of working together to tackle cyber threats. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this initiative a success!
The Ministry of Internal Affairs held its first Oath of Allegiance ceremony for the year 2025 , marking a heartfelt moment of national pride and new beginnings for 9 individuals who have successfully fulfilled the requirements to be granted Seychellois citizenship.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Allain Volcère, Principal Secretary for the Immigration Department, and the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, who congratulated the new citizens. In his remarks, Minister Fonseka urged them to embrace their responsibilities and play an active role in contributing to the country's continued development.
This ceremony reflects the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity, national unity, and the upholding of Seychelles' immigration and citizenship laws.
The new citizens are:
1. Ms Christina Rosety BOODOO
2. Mr Vijay Anand BALASUBRAMANIAN
3. Mr Vijay Anand BALASUBRAMANIAN
4. Mr Reydel Enrique DELIS PEREZ
5. Mr Duane Laurence HILL
6. Mrs Marie Kristel Queensly FANCHETTE
7. Mr Marc Roy GOLDSTEIN
8. Mrs Mwanasiti Hamisi JULES
9. Mr John Aubrey DE SOUZA
10. Mrs Monique KABOTO
11. Mr Muhammad Danyal SALEY
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Charles Fonseka, represented Seychelles at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration in maritime security, economic resilience, and sustainable ocean governance.
During the ministerial panel session, Minister Fonseka addressed key areas of concern:
Maritime Security – The Minister underscored the need for enhanced coordination to combat piracy, illicit trafficking, and regional instability.
Combating Illicit Activities – Minister Fonseka announced Seychelles’ Chairmanship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) and provided updates on the development of a Smuggling of Migrants Bill to strengthen Seychelles’ legal framework.
Blue Economy & Climate Action – He also advocated for innovative financial mechanisms and emphasized the urgent need for strengthened climate commitments to safeguard the region’s maritime resources.
"Let us work together to build a just and secure maritime future," stated Minister Fonseka.
The Minister was accompanied by Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director of the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC), and Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure, Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministers’ Secretariat.
Seychelles has proudly represented the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the High-Level Policy Forum on Accelerated Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), held in Oslo from 25–26 March 2025.
Led by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka alongside the Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure and the Chief Risk Management Officer of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), Mr. Daniel Cetoupe Seychelles made a compelling case for flexible, inclusive, and sustainable DRR financing tailored to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS.
In his keynote panel address, the Minister highlighted:
• Seychelles’ multi-dimensional risk landscape
• The nation’s coastal vulnerabilities and economic reliance on tourism
• Integration of DRR measures such as coastal restoration and critical infrastructure resilience
• A broadened “basket of risks” approach — including natural hazards, cyber threats, and trafficking issues
He stressed the importance of building domestic capacity and reducing reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA), while calling for enhanced international support.
During Panel 5: Financing for Development, Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer, emphasized:
• The need for adaptable and sustainable financing frameworks
• Funding mechanisms that reflect the diversity and realities of SIDS
• Harmonisation of DRR frameworks for long-term impact
Seychelles also secured promising bilateral engagements with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Bank, resulting in commitments to:
• Establish a National Disaster Loss Data Tracking System
• Develop a Resource Mobilisation Strategy for the DRR Strategy (2021–2030)
• Provide technical and financial support for the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)
These outcomes mark a significant step forward in advancing Seychelles’ national resilience agenda and commitment to coordinated, sustainable DRR financing.
Next Steps:
Seychelles will be working closely with its partners to finalise cooperation terms, accelerate the Resource Mobilisation Strategy, and prepare concept documents for the NEOC financing framework.
The Minister of Internal Affairs welcomed the newly accredited Ambassador Designate of Japan to the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Sakuta Makoto congratulating him on his appointment as the first resident ambassador of Japan to Seychelles.
Seychelles reaffirmed its appreciation for Japan's steadfast partnership, which has significantly bolstered bilateral relations since 1976, spanning key sectors like fisheries, the blue economy, disaster risk management, capacity building and maritime security.Highlighting Japan's support, the Minister acknowledged the 2019 grant for construction of the Marine Police and Anti-Narcotic Centre at Perseverance. This initiative which is ongoing will enhance Seychelles' maritime law enforcement and safety.
The Minister also commended Japan's collaboration with the UNODC’s Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), which has strengthened Seychelles' maritime security through technical assistance and training for over 50 officers in 2023.Discussions focused on advancing Seychelles-Japan bilateral relations, particularly in maritime security, law enforcement capacity building and disaster risk management.
Minister Fonseka emphasized the importance of this partnership and expressed optimism for further collaboration in safeguarding the region's waters. The meeting was attended by Mr. Allain Volcere Principal Secretary of the Department of Immigration & Civil Status , Mr. Francis Songoire Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Force , Captain Gerard Wong-Pool – Director of National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC) and Catherina Bonnelame – Senior Risk Management Officer of the Disaster Risk Management Division.
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