On Nelson Mandela Day, the Seychelles Prison Services (SPS) held a significant ceremony at the University of Seychelles to unveil their new strategic plan. This event marked a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the correctional system in the country, aligning it with international standards and best practices.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Internal Affairs delivered a poignant speech, emphasizing the importance of the Mandela Rules in prison reform. These rules, formally known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, provide guidelines to ensure humane conditions and the respect of human dignity within correctional facilities.
The Minister praised the Seychelles Prison Services for their dedication to upholding these values, highlighting the progress made in recent years. He commended the efforts of the SPS in transforming the prison system into one that not only focuses on security and containment but also on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
The unveiling of the new strategic plan represents a forward-thinking approach to address current challenges and set a clear direction for future developments. This plan includes initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing training for prison staff, and implementing programs that support the mental health and well-being of inmates.
The ceremony was a testament to the commitment of the Seychelles Prison Services to foster an environment that respects human rights and promotes positive change. By observing Nelson Mandela Day in this manner, the SPS demonstrated their alignment with the global movement towards more humane and effective correctional systems, honoring Mandela's legacy of justice and equality. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education Dr Justin Valentin, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs Patricia Francourt amongst other distinguished guests.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Seychelles welcomed Mr. Guillermo Antonio Lopez Mac Lellan, the Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Seychelles. The meeting highlighted Spain’s active role and engagement in maritime security initiatives, both independently and through multilateral frameworks such as the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The resurgence of maritime piracy in the Western Indian Ocean Region underscores the necessity for joint security efforts, streamlined legal processes, and enhanced information sharing. Seychelles recognizes Spain's significant role in EUNAVFOR operations and commends its leadership in the chain of command.
The expansion of the EUNAVFOR mandate presents an opportunity to address other illicit maritime activities, including drug trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and terrorism. Seychelles has pledged to collaborate with the EU to combat these threats to regional peace and stability.The meeting was also attended by the Director of the National Information Sharing Coordination Centre (NISCC) Captain Gerald Wong-Pool and Superintendent Jemmy Bouzin of the Seychelles Police.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking decisive action in the fight against cyber threats by organizing a crucial two-day workshop and training program on Africa Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Critical Infrastructure. This event marks a significant step forward in enhancing the nation's ability to combat cybercrime and safeguard vital systems.
A dedicated group of officers has embarked on this intensive training, which is being delivered by experts from the U.S. Secret Service. The primary objective of the workshop is to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge of current cyber threats and to develop more effective strategies to mitigate these risks.
Through this collaboration, the Ministry aims to bolster its defenses against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Participants will gain valuable insights into identifying and countering cyber threats, understanding the complexities of cybercrime, and protecting critical infrastructure from potential attacks.
By investing in such high-level training and fostering international cooperation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs demonstrates its commitment to securing the nation's digital landscape and ensuring the safety and resilience of its critical infrastructure. This proactive approach not only strengthens national security but also contributes to the broader goal of regional stability and cybersecurity within Africa.
The High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Mozambique to the Republic of Seychelles Ms. Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka. During this visit, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the agreement on mutual assistance in criminal matters between the two nations.
The proposed agreement aims to bolster cooperation in criminal justice between Seychelles and Mozambique, including gathering and exchanging evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, and transferring persons in custody for prosecution or testimony. Such measures are expected to enhance collaborative efforts in investigating and prosecuting serious criminal activities, including money laundering, corruption, terrorism, and other severe offenses.
In addition, Seychelles expressed a keen interest in negotiating and finalizing a Transfer of Prisoners Agreement with Mozambique. This agreement would address the transfer and handling of prisoners' requests between the two countries, ensuring a cooperative approach to criminal justice and prisoner management.
Overall, the discussions emphasised the importance of mutual legal assistance and stronger bilateral ties to effectively combat serious crimes and improve judicial cooperation. Also present was the Commissioner of the Seychelles Prisons Services, Mr. Allain St. Ange, Director of the NISCC Cpt Gerald Wong-Pool, Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles police Mr. Francis Songoire and Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Erica Dufresnne.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, met with retired Brigadier Paul Kahuria Njema, the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), during a working visit. Their discussions focused on the humanitarian efforts undertaken by the EASF and the promotion of information sharing to enhance bilateral relations. Brigadier Njema was accompanied by Brigadier General Domitien Kabisa, Head of the Peace Operations Department at EASF, and Mr. Irchad Oussiene, his Personal Assistant.
The European Union (EU) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) have signed an agreement to implement the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) programme, aimed at enhancing maritime security in Africa. The signing ceremony took place in Mauritius, with virtual participation from other IOC countries. In Seychelles, the ceremony was held at the Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea (REFLECS 3).
The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador Oskar Benedikt and IOC Secretary General Velayoudom Marimoutou. Marimoutou emphasized that the SSA programme will establish a primary maritime safety system, strengthen national capacities, enhance regional coordination, and expand collaboration in Africa and the Indian Ocean. The SSA programme builds on the Maritime Security (MASE) programme and is financed by the EU, covering the western Indian Ocean since 2018.
EU Ambassador Benedikt highlighted the EU's crucial role in strengthening maritime security in the region, addressing threats like piracy, drug trafficking, and overfishing. The SSA programme will involve joint maritime security efforts across the Gulf of Guinea, the western Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean.
The regional maritime safety architecture, established in 2018, includes agreements on maritime information exchange and state action coordination at sea. This led to the creation of the Maritime Information Fusion Centre (MIFRC) in Madagascar and the Regional Operations Coordination Centre (ROCC) in Seychelles.
IOC President Sylvestre Radegonde noted that the SSA programme will help implement decisions from recent IOC Ministerial Councils and develop national strategies for sufficient maritime capacity. The programme also involves international collaboration for information exchange and sea operations.
The Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka met with Ambassador of the U.S Embassy Mr. Henry Jardine and Deputy of the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement (DCME) of the United States of America Ambassador Robert Scott as part of a working visit. The meeting focused on matters of maritime security and enhancing bilateral relationships between Seychelles and the United States of America.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Adham Loutfi - Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. in Seychelles, LtCol Jarrad Caola - U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), LCDR Jacob Coutre - Advisor to the DCME, AFRICOM Desk Officer, CDR Jeffrey Schwamb - Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché for Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros. Present was the Principal Secretary of the Department of Immigration & Civil Status Mr. Allain Volcere, Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Prison Service, represented by Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire and Deputy Commissioner Sam Dodin.
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