On the afternoon of Tuesday 25th June 2024, the International Affairs Committee led by its Chairperson Hon. Waven William, met with representatives of the Foreign Affairs Department (FAD) and Attorney General’s (AG’s) Office to discuss the Extradition Agreement between Seychelles and France. Accompanying the Chairperson was Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon. Philip Monthy, Hon. Rachel Spiro, and Hon. Phillip Arissol. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Ms. Emma Didon and Assistant Secretary Mr. Darel Atala. Attending the meeting was FAD Legal Advisor Ms. Sandra Michel, FAD Third Secretary Ms. Martina Ceccato, and State Counsel of the AG’s Office Mrs. Nissa Thompson.
The meeting was held as part of the IAC’s mandate to review all agreements prior to approval and ratification of the House. Negotiations on the Extradition Agreement were initiated in 2019, with plans to be signed by all relevant parties in July 2024. The greater part of the meeting was spent discussing the reasons and aims for the agreement with France, and what implications it may have. Ms. Michel raised points on the national Extradition Act, informing the Committee of potential amendments that may need to be effected to improve various facets of the legislation to the Agreement.
Concerns were raised by the IAC on the implications of the Agreement, particularly the potential to affect those of dual citizenship as this was not a circumstance explicitly noted within the Agreement. Mrs. Thompson and Ms. Michel both reassured the Committee that there are various streamlined processes that have been discussed to account for such variables, including pertinent points such as grounds for refusal and the due process of extradition.
With all the concerns and points raised duly addressed the Committee affirmed its support for the Agreement, before the meeting concluded.
