The Seychelles delegation led by the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka made a significant mark at the Digital Government Africa Summit, held in Lusaka, Zambia, from October 2nd to 4th, 2024. During the event, the team engaged in in-depth discussions, emphasizing Seychelles' progress in digital governance and exploring new opportunities for collaboration with African nations and global industry leaders.
Seychelles continues to establish itself as a leader in digital citizen services across Africa. An important aspect of this digital transformation is the introduction of the Seychelles Virtual ID, now available to foreign permit holders. This has further expanded digital inclusivity for its citizens. This initiative underscores the nation's commitment to making digital services accessible to all, marking another milestone in Seychelles’ digital strategy.
During the summit, Minister Fonseka, addressed one of Seychelles' key achievements in overcoming challenges related to issuing bio-metric passports for Seychellois citizens living abroad. To address these issues, Seychelles has established bio-metric passport enrollment stations at its overseas missions. While passport production remains centralized in Seychelles, this new setup ensures that quality control and efficiency are maintained while providing convenience to those abroad.
The Seychelles delegation held fruitful discussions with prominent industry leaders who specialize in cutting-edge identity solutions and electronic border control systems. Several key areas of interest were explored. Discussions also touched on electronic surveillance, border monitoring systems, and the ability to capture data from satellite phones operating within Seychelles' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The team reviewed advanced encryption solutions, including those addressing the emerging field of quantum encryption, to safeguard sensitive information and communications.
The summit also introduced the Seychelles delegation to innovative biometric solutions that have the potential to improve security and data management. In addition, the summit showcased innovative tourist ID systems that could significantly benefit Seychelles' tourism sector. These solutions promise to streamline identification processes for visitors, enhancing the overall experience and supporting the nation’s thriving tourism industry.
Seychelles' participation in the Digital Government Africa Summit has solidified its role as a leader in digital governance on the continent. The insights gained and partnerships formed during the event will further strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and citizen services.
Moving forward, Seychelles is eager to explore collaborative opportunities with the companies and industry experts met at the summit. Identity solutions, cloud services, and other digital innovations discussed at the summit will be crucial as Seychelles continues to expand its technological capabilities.
The delegation also included Principal Secretary for the Department of Information, Communications and Technology (DICT) Mr. Benjamin Choppy, Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) Executive Director Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure and MIA IT Director Mr. Nico Isaac, expressed their appreciation for the invaluable support and insights received throughout the summit. They look forward to implementing the key learnings and exploring innovative solutions that will enhance Seychelles' digital landscape in the coming years.
During a recent visit to Seychelles, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Minister for Africa accompanied by the British High Commissioner Mr. Jeffery Glekin were welcomed by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Charles Fonseka, at the Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea (REFLECS3) Centre at Bois de Rose. The discussions focused on the strong collaboration between Seychelles and the United Kingdom on maritime security, the ongoing reform of the Seychelles Police Force and migration and border control. Lord Collins was also briefed on the vital roles of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) and the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC) in combating illicit maritime activities. The briefing reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between Seychelles, the UK, and regional partners in ensuring maritime security.
Seychelles continues to deepen its valued partnership with the United Kingdom, particularly in the area of maritime security. With its long history of maritime leadership, the UK, alongside Seychelles, plays a crucial role in safeguarding key maritime routes and enhancing global maritime security.
In response to the resurgence of Somali piracy since November 2023, Director of NISCC Captain Gerald Wong-Pool explained that Seychelles remains vigilant, emphasizing the need for sustained international cooperation to address these threats. The rise in piracy endangers seafarers and threatens global trade routes, potentially disrupting supply chains. As a key regional actor, Seychelles reaffirms its’ commitment to working with partners like the UK to strengthen maritime security and enhance its response capabilities. Additionally, Seychelles advocates for a comprehensive approach to securing the Red Sea, focusing on piracy as well as broader regional instability, through enhanced information-sharing, coordinated naval patrols, and capacity-building for regional actors.
In a significant achievement, Seychelles has been endorsed as the incoming Chair of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) during the 2nd plenary meeting in September 2024. Seychelles highly values the UK’s participation in the Contact Group, represented by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This endorsement reflects the UK’s strong commitment to burden-sharing in international maritime security. Minister Fonseka expressed how Seychelles looks forward to working closely with the UK and other partners to address evolving maritime threats, enhance information sharing, and promote capacity-building initiatives through the Djibouti Code of Conduct
The Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Force Mr. Francis Songoire acknowledged the UK’s unwavering support in advancing police reforms, which are essential to fostering a safer society. The collaboration between the two nations has greatly enhanced the Seychelles Police Force’s ability to address critical policing issues.
During his visit, Lord Collins commended Seychelles on the collaborative work done with international partners to police the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He emphasized that securing legal frameworks and enforcing maritime laws are critical to protecting Seychelles' borders and strengthening its security. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Mr. Allain Volcere and Executive Director of the Ministers Secretariat Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs welcomed an African Union (AU) delegation, led by Ambassador Ali Mamba of the Kingdom of Eswatini, to assess the devastating flooding in North Mahé. Minister Charles Fonseka thanked the AU for their support and donations, while local experts, including geologist Mr. Jean-Luc Mondon, provided insights on high-risk areas and ongoing recovery plans.
The AU praised Seychelles' disaster response efforts, with Head of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Rita Amukhobu, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the island’s mountainous terrain. Minister Fonseka highlighted how collaboration with Swiss experts has strengthened Seychelles’ ability to manage risks.
The delegation toured affected areas and stressed the importance of proactive community involvement in reducing risks, especially for families living in high-risk zones.
The 2024 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (GPSCF), held in Lianyungang City on 9th September 2024, brought together delegates from over 100 countries. Under the theme “Win-Win Cooperation under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security,” the forum emphasized the collective goal of fostering international cooperation to enhance public safety worldwide.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Wang Xiaohong highlighted China’s commitment to a shared future in global public security and the country’s readiness to deepen international exchanges and collaboration in this crucial field.
The forum featured three key sessions:
Session I: Building a Community of Common Responsibility through a Cooperation Network Jointly Established by Multiple Forces.
Session II: Maintaining Common Security by Sharing the Outcomes of Cooperation.
Session III: Discussing Approaches to Public Security Cooperation through Improved Coordination Mechanisms.
These sessions, led by high-level law enforcement representatives from various countries, underscored the global consensus on the importance of international law enforcement collaboration and the joint fight against transnational crime and terrorism.
On 10th September 2024, several sub-forums took place. The Seychelles delegation participated in two key discussions:
International Security Situation: Speakers addressed geopolitical issues worldwide and their security risks, with a particular focus on China's role in the global security context.
Public Security and Safety Technology: International and local speakers, along with companies, showcased advancements in law enforcement technologies, including forensics and CCTV monitoring.
This forum reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening global public security through cooperation and the integration of innovative solutions
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.
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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