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 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.
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 Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, recently convened a crucial meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Seychelles. Members of the delegation included Mr. Arun Ramduny, Ms. Pooja Bissoonauthsing and Ms. Elizabeth Onyango. The joint mission centered on bolstering operations both on land and at sea to counteract emerging threats to maritime security, particularly the escalating cases of piracy.
During the meeting, the EU and UNODC representatives highlighted the pressing need for prompt and effective action in response to the surge in piracy incidents. Emphasizing their unwavering commitment to assisting Seychelles in tackling this challenge, they pledged continued support in collaborative efforts.
Minister Fonseka commended the recent success of Operation ATALANTA, which led to the apprehension of six alleged pirates. He expressed satisfaction with the operation's execution and the seamless handover process to Seychelles authorities, facilitated with the support of UNODC.
Representatives from the Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Prison Service, including Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire and Deputy Commissioner Sam Dodin, respectively, acknowledged the ongoing assistance from the EU and UNODC. They outlined the critical need to enhance the capacity of Seychelles law enforcement to build robust legal cases, ensuring swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators. Additionally, discussions touched upon the current infrastructure in Seychelles prisons and future plans for improvement.
The collaborative efforts between Seychelles and international partners underscore a shared commitment to safeguarding maritime security and combating piracy in the region. Through coordinated action and ongoing support, Seychelles aims to strengthen its capabilities and contribute to a safer maritime environment for all.
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 Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr. Roberto Natali, engaged in a productive discussion with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka. The focal point of their meeting was the ongoing operations of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) aimed at combating crimes at sea, particularly drug trafficking and bolstering maritime security.
Ambassador Natali extended a helping hand by offering support for capacity building within Seychelles' law enforcement agencies. This gesture underscores Italy's commitment to fostering stronger partnerships in the realm of maritime security.
Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Allian Volcere elaborated on Seychelles' cutting-edge Border Control tool, the Seychelles Electronic Border System, and proposed the introduction of Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (ANP/PNR) sharing to enhance security measures further.
Minister Fonseka commended Italy for assuming command of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA’s Force on March 14, 2024. Italy's integration of ships into the operation for extended periods, serving as flagships of ATALANTA 2, underscores its active role in the European Union's maritime security efforts in the region.
The expanded mandate of EUNAVFOR presents an opportunity to address a broader spectrum of illicit maritime activities jeopardizing peace and stability, including drug trafficking, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and terrorism. Seychelles has pledged its commitment to collaborating with the EU to combat these illicit activities.
Seychelles expressed its sincere appreciation for Italy's continued active participation through mechanisms like EUNAVFOR, ensuring that maritime spaces remain secure and stable. Such collaborative efforts are crucial for facilitating socio-economic activities that benefit all stakeholders in the region. Also present in the meeting was the Assistant Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Ned Wirtz and Executive Director in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Minister's Secretariat, Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.
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