This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression in the Seychelles from 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024.
GENERAL
Seychelles get the highest score in Ibrahim Index of African governance
In October 2024, Seychelles topped the list of the Mo Ibrahim Index of African governance. This report measures the performance of African governments in the fields of security and law; participation, rights and inclusion; economic opportunity; and human development. According to the study, a large part of the deterioration observed on the African continent was due to crackdowns on freedom of assembly and freedom of speech – with people in 29 countries having “substantially” less freedom to come together and share ideas, including in digital spaces.
Constitutional amendment on elections
On 2nd October 2024, the National Assembly approved an 11th amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to enhance and clarify various provisions related to the election and tenure of the President and the National Assembly. The Bill was presented to the National Assembly the day before by Vice President Ahmed Afif, and after two days of debate, 24 members of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) ruling party voted for the amendment. All members of the United Seychelles (US), the main opposition party, voted against it.
The change proposes a fixed date for the Presidential election. It is to be held five weeks prior to the expiration of the President’s term. The amendment aims to provide sufficient time for a possible second round of elections and to facilitate a smooth transition of power. It also proposes that elections for the National Assembly be held on the same day as the Presidential election to streamline the electoral process.
Regarding the legal protection of the President, an amendment to Article 59 eliminates the three-year time limit for initiating legal proceedings against a former President.
Rights concerns in high-profile anti-corruption case
In March 2024, Human Rights Watch called the Seychelles authorities to ensure that the prosecution of a former presidential adviser and other defendants in a high-profile anti-corruption case is free, fair, and impartial. The human rights organisation asked for a speedy and transparent investigation into the allegations of procedural and other irregularities, so as to ensure the defendants’ right to a fair trial and to uphold the rule of law.
On 3rd April 2024, the Attorney General responded to Human Rights Watch’s letter stating that that the defence was always provided ample time to respond to evidence well in advance of trial and provided reasons for the refusal to grant bail to the defendants.
Human Rights Commission faces communication challenges with various government entities
In its 2024 annual report, the Seychelles Human Rights Commission wrote that it continues to face significant communication challenges with various government entities, including the Seychelles Police Force, Seychelles Prison Service, Immigration and Civil Status Department, and the Foreign Affairs Department. These obstacles impacted human rights monitoring and reporting activities, in particular visiting detention facilities and receiving timely updates on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations.
EXPRESSION
Arrest of journalist
On 1st April 2024, Ralph Volcere, journalist and publisher of the Seychelles Independent newspaper, was arrested for trespassing after taking photos of wealthy Gulf nationals at the main airport who he said were being passed through immigration without the usual formalities. He was taken to the Mont Fleuri Police Station.
ASSEMBLY
Protests against company’s lack of accountability after explosion
On 7th December 2023, an explosion at the Civil Construction Company Limited explosives store caused extensive damage to the Providence Industrial area and surrounding areas in Mahé. The blast affected hundreds of houses and many businesses were damaged. The President declared a state of emergency.
On 3rd August 2024, residents and business owners gathered outside the headquarters of the Civil Construction Company Limited in Providence in Victoria to protest the company’s lack of accountability following the explosion. On 10th August 2024, two dozen Petit Paris and Cascade residents and business owners gathered there again. According to them, the Civil Construction Company Limited has not yet been held accountable for the disaster and the official inquiry report into the incident was only recently provided to the Attorney General’s Office. The government said the report would not be made public.