On Wednesday 4th October 2023, the International Affairs Committee led by its Chairperson, Hon. Waven William, met with national stakeholders to discuss the agreement between Seychelles and the European Union (EU) to ‘facilitate the transfer of persons in violation of the United Nations Arms Embargo on Somalia or in Narcotic Drugs’, with the aim of understanding the scope of the agreement and its implications. Members of the Committee also present were the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon. Phillip Monthy, Hon. Phillip Arissol and Hon. Kelly Samynadin, with assistance from the Committee Secretary Ms. Emma Didon, and Assistant Committee Secretary Mr. Darel Atala.
The stakeholder delegation comprised of Legal Advisor Ms. Sandra Michel, and Director General Regional Affairs Division Mr. Christian Faure from the Foreign Affairs Department; the Commissioner of Prisons Mr. Raymond St Ange, and Chief Inspector Ms. Louisna Neamtu from the Seychelles Prison Service; and Principal Sate Counsel Mr. George Thachett, and State Counsel Ms. Shireen Denys from the Office of the Attorney General.
Ms. Michel began by presenting the Cabinet’s conclusions and explained each clause of the agreement in detail. The agreement, presented in the form of an exchange of letters between the EU and Seychelles, outlines a proposed framework arrangement for the transfer of individuals involved in arms or drug trafficking activities detained across the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The framework contains a collaborative engagements element, including strategic naval support, advanced surveillance technology, capacity-building exercises and joint operations/drills designed for Seychelles Maritime personnel to enhance Seychelles maritime security and address common security challenges.
Crucially, the agreement includes a provision for potential amendments to accommodate the evolving needs of the Seychelles and its ocean territories. By entering this agreement, Seychelles anticipates a significant reduction in drug trafficking within its waters, addressing an issue that poses a growing threat to the nation's stability. Committee Members raised valid concerns on the potential tourism impacts and the risk of retaliation from criminal entities. The stakeholders emphasized the intention to proactively address such challenges and highlighted the existing commitments from the EU in providing further assistance if necessary.
The meeting concluded with a resounding commitment from the IAC, in promoting the swift ratification of this agreement.
