AGP Executive Report

National Assembly & Governance: President Patrick Herminie has assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long-running reform process that began over a decade ago. Truth, Reconciliation & Unity: Lawmakers approved the TRNUC Recommendations implementation bill, creating an independent statutory commission to oversee, implement and monitor outcomes tied to the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles backed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, with priorities including stronger institutions, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability. Social Policy in Parliament: In the National Assembly, Ministers faced questions over home-care arrangements for older carers and confirmed an R800 increase across retirement pension categories from January 2026. International Trade: Seychelles joined EU partners in concluding an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Eastern and Southern Africa, aimed at boosting services, digitalisation and sustainable development. Legal/Regulation Watch: A Seychelles court ruling in a KuCoin delisted-token dispute said the exchange can’t treat unwithdrawn tokens as abandoned property, awarding damages of more than $2m—while the investor says payment is still outstanding.

National Assembly & TRNUC: Seychelles’ President Patrick Herminie assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, while the Assembly also approved the TRNUC recommendations implementation bill creating an independent commission to oversee, implement and monitor outcomes after Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission work. UN Tourism: Seychelles backed UN Tourism’s new Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, stressing stronger institutions, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability. Social Protection Debate: In Parliament, Ministers faced questions over home carers’ retirement and pension increases, including claims that some carers were told to stop work based on age and that pension categories received an R800 rise from January 2026. Ocean & Climate Push: A global leaders’ letter urged COP31 hosts to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles named among governments supporting the call. Aviation Links: Qatar Airways announced renewed Seychelles service from June 16, alongside other Africa route changes. Sports & Community: Seychelles’ Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026, and the country’s Father’s Day 10km family fun run is set for June 14.

National Assembly Reform: President Dr Patrick Herminie has assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long-running legislative overhaul that began over a decade ago. Truth, Reconciliation & Unity: Lawmakers approved the TRNUC Recommendations implementation bill, creating an independent statutory commission to oversee outcomes and monitoring, with United Seychelles voting in favour and Linyon Demokratik Seselwa abstaining. Social Protection Oversight: In Parliament, Ministers Pamela Charlette faced questions on home-care agency practices and confirmed a R800 increase across all retirement pension categories from January 2026. Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: A global letter ahead of COP31 urges hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the governments backing the call. Regional Security & Defence: Seychelles is listed among foreign delegations taking part in Russia’s Fleet 2026 maritime defence show, with bilateral meetings planned. International Trade Link: The EU and ESA states including Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for deeper services and digitalisation cooperation.

Truth & Reconciliation Implementation: The National Assembly has approved the TRNUC Recommendations Bill, 2026, creating an independent statutory commission to implement and monitor the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission’s final outcomes, with Vice-President Sebastien Pillay presenting the measure after President Patrick Herminie’s commitment to deliver closure and move the country forward. Social Protection & Retirement Policy: In the National Assembly, Minister Pamela Charlette said home carers aged 63+ are not being blocked from work, but assessed for mental and physical ability, while she also confirmed a R800 increase across all retirement pension categories from January 2026. Parliamentary Oversight on Care Work: Opposition MP Bernard Georges pressed the minister on why carers are being told to stop work without a public announcement, raising questions about how the policy is communicated and applied. Regional Security Diplomacy: Seychelles is among more than 20 foreign delegations taking part in Russia’s Fleet 2026 maritime defence show, with planned bilateral meetings involving the Russian Navy commander-in-chief. Ocean-Centred Climate Push: A global open letter urges COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles listed among participating governments. EU-ESA Trade Deal: The EU and ESA states including Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at deeper integration, services and digitalisation, and sustainable development.

Parliament & Social Protection: In the National Assembly, Minister Pamela Charlette faced opposition questions over home carers aged 63 and above, saying the issue is not simply stopping work but assessing carers’ mental and physical ability; she also confirmed an R800 increase across all retirement pension categories from January 2026, while explaining why not everyone may have received it the same way. Education & Skills: The Careers and Further Education Agency says it is expanding scholarships and career pathways to better match training with Seychelles’ workforce needs. International Climate Diplomacy: A coalition of global leaders and ocean experts urged COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action ahead of the November summit. Foreign Relations & Culture: A Seychelles film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, organised with the African Initiative news agency and the Russian Embassy. Maritime Defence: Seychelles is listed among more than 20 foreign delegations taking part in Russia’s Fleet 2026 defence show in Kronstadt. Transport Link: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8. Local Development: The UAE’s Digital School expanded in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to strengthen classroom digital skills. Sports: Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade won individual honours at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, while Seychelles also placed in the top group in the team standings.

Seychelles-Russia Cultural Ties: A Pushkin-themed film screening in Victoria, organised with the Russian Embassy, highlighted long-running cultural links and Russia’s interest in Seychelles’ officials and artists. Seychelles Education & Capacity Building: The UAE’s Digital School expanded in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools to strengthen classroom digital skills. Seychelles Governance & Media Independence: A new bill is drawing concern over threats to SBC’s independence, with critics warning funding and control could be used to pressure public broadcasting. Regional Ocean Policy: Stakeholders marked World Ocean Day with calls for inclusive, sustainable ocean governance to support economic growth and protect marine resources. Tourism & Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season, starting July 8, while Seychelles’ eco-tourism reputation continues to be boosted by international rankings. Judicial Independence Watch: Separate legal controversy abroad—Zambia’s judges’ association seeking to join a constitutional case—underscores how external appointments can strain judicial boundaries.

Seychelles–Russia Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says relations with Russia “have never been stronger,” citing training exchanges and Russian investment in Seychelles sports infrastructure. SBC Independence: A new bill is raising alarms over the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics warning governance and funding controls could be used to pressure public media. Education & Digital Skills: The UAE’s Digital School expands in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools to boost classroom digital capability. Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles is again in the headlines after being named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, even as questions remain about carbon emissions and water stress. International Mobility: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season, starting July 8 with A350 services. Regional Sports: Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade won individual honours at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, while the team also earned a podium finish.

SBC Independence Under Threat: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over the State Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics warning that governance and funding controls could be used to pressure public media. Judicial Appointments Fight: Zambia’s magistrates and judges association is seeking to join a constitutional court case tied to external appointments—an issue that also resonates for Seychelles’ own Court of Appeal links. Education & Digital Skills: The UAE’s Digital School is expanding in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to better integrate digital tools in classrooms. Russia-Seychelles Sports Ties: Seychelles’ youth and sport minister says cooperation with Russia remains strong, including athlete and coach training and Russian support for sports infrastructure. Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles is being promoted internationally as a top eco-tourism destination ahead of its 50th independence anniversary, while regional tourism leaders discuss tech-empowered city travel in Beijing. Aviation & Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will keep regular summer flights to Seychelles, and Qatar Airways expands African routes including added services affecting Seychelles travel planning.

Aviation & Tourism Links: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles through the summer, with Moscow–Seychelles twice weekly from July 8 using Airbus A350s. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles’ capital Victoria’s mayor joined a global mayors dialogue in Beijing, highlighting China–Seychelles people-to-people ties and China-funded infrastructure. Education Cooperation: Dubai’s Digital School expands in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to boost digital skills in classrooms. Media Independence Debate: A new Seychelles bill is drawing concern over threats to SBC independence, with critics warning governance and funding could be used to pressure public broadcasting. Judicial Integrity Watch: Lawyers in Zimbabwe criticised President Mnangagwa’s gifts to retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba, arguing it undermines confidence in judicial independence. Environment & Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles is again in the spotlight for eco-tourism, with U.S. News & World Report naming it top destination for 2026—while questions remain on carbon emissions and water stress. International Legal/Constitutional Angle: A Zambian judges’ association seeks to join a constitutional court case tied to external appointments, with a Seychelles Court of Appeal link.

SBC Independence Under Threat: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding controls that could be used to pressure public media. Judicial Appointments Fight: Zambia’s magistrates and judges association is seeking to join a constitutional court case tied to how judges take external roles, with a Seychelles Court of Appeal non-resident judge appointment at the centre of the dispute. Russia-Seychelles Sports Ties: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting athlete training, coach development, and Russian-backed infrastructure. UAE Digital School Expansion: The UAE’s Digital School is expanding in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to boost classroom digital skills. China Pressure on Taiwan Flight Clearances: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly withdrew flight clearances affecting President Lai’s Eswatini trip. Regional Tourism Tech Push: Victoria’s mayor joins a Beijing mayors dialogue on tech-empowered tourism, citing China-Seychelles people-to-people links and infrastructure projects. Aviation Connectivity Update: Qatar Airways resumes and adds routes including Seychelles, alongside broader network increases across Africa. World Oceans Day Context: A global piece on tuna recovery highlights how quotas and enforcement can rebuild fisheries—relevant to Seychelles’ ocean policy conversation.

Digital Education Partnership: Dubai’s Digital School has expanded in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to strengthen classroom digital skills and boost education quality. Russia-Seychelles Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russia treats Seychelles as an equal partner, citing decades of cooperation in sport training, coaching development, education and infrastructure investment. Media Independence: A new bill is raising alarms over SBC independence, with critics warning governance and funding controls could be used to pressure the public broadcaster. Judicial Appointments Court Fight: Seychelles-linked legal fallout is highlighted as a judges’ association seeks to join a constitutional case on external appointments, involving a Seychelles Court of Appeal role. International Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged pressure that led to Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrawing flight clearances for President Lai’s Eswatini trip. Local Governance & China Links: Victoria mayor says Seychelles gained valuable benefits from China-Seychelles ties, pointing to infrastructure and people-to-people cooperation. Aviation & Connectivity: Qatar Airways plans to restart flights to Seychelles from June 16 as it expands its African network.

SBC Independence Under Threat: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a newly gazetted SBC Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, especially through governance changes that would shift more appointment power to the Executive and reduce safeguards around funding and spending. China-Taiwan Diplomatic Fallout: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged pressure that helped block President Lai’s Eswatini trip, with Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly withdrawing flight clearances amid threats of economic penalties. Regional Aviation Standards: Seychelles joined an ICAO-backed workshop in Eswatini on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating, aiming to harmonise standards and support safer, more efficient air infrastructure across southern Africa. Tourism Tech Diplomacy: Victoria mayor joined a Beijing mayors dialogue on “Smarter Travel, Stronger Cities,” highlighting China-Seychelles people-to-people ties and China-funded infrastructure projects. Judicial Appointments Fight: A legal dispute in Zambia over judges’ external appointments references a Seychelles Court of Appeal role held by a former Zambian judge, underscoring cross-border judicial service tensions.

Taiwan–China Diplomatic Clash: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing for allegedly pressuring Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances that derailed President Lai’s Eswatini trip, warning the move endangered aviation safety and violated sovereignty. SBC Independence Under Threat: In Seychelles, the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation board says a new SBC bill could weaken editorial and institutional independence, especially through expanded executive influence over board appointments and funding controls. Local Governance & China Ties: Victoria mayor joined a global mayors dialogue in Beijing, highlighting people-to-people links and China-funded infrastructure projects. Regional Aviation Standards: Seychelles took part in an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, pushing harmonised standards for safer, more efficient air infrastructure. Energy Cost Pressure: UNCTAD warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn a year to oil-import bills for vulnerable economies, including small island states like Seychelles. Tourism Policy Signals: A global debate on crowding and sustainability is growing, with destinations tightening caps and booking systems—relevant as Seychelles positions itself for future travel growth.

SBC Independence Under Threat: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill has drawn sharp alarm from the SBC board, which says proposed governance changes could shift appointments and chair/vice-chair selection toward the Executive, weakening institutional independence and risking financial sustainability. Judicial Appointments Fight: Zambia’s Magistrates and Judges Association is seeking to join a major constitutional court case over how external appointments for sitting judges are handled—linked to a Seychelles Court of Appeal appointment—raising questions about equal application of rules. Local-International Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Victoria mayor joined a global mayors dialogue in Beijing, highlighting China–Seychelles people-to-people ties and China-funded local infrastructure. Aviation Standards for the Region: Seychelles took part in an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, pushing harmonised standards to support safer, more efficient connectivity. Tourism Policy Pressure: A global travel report flags rising crowding pressures and new destination controls, echoing the wider debate on how tourism growth should be managed.

SBC Independence Under Fire: Seychelles’ Public Media Alliance warns the newly gazetted Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken SBC independence, especially through expanded executive influence over board appointments and funding controls that may be used to pressure public media. Judicial Appointments Fight: The Magistrates and Judges Association of Zambia seeks to join a constitutional court case over how external appointments affect sitting judges—an issue that echoes wider regional concerns about judicial independence. Tourism, Nature, and Policy: A World Environment Day piece argues eco-conscious travel is shifting from “green marketing” to destination-wide commitments to protect ecosystems that underpin tourism resilience. Regional Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it will restart flights to Seychelles and add regional frequencies, while ICAO-linked aviation standards workshops in the region include Seychelles and focus on runway and pavement classification upgrades. Energy Cost Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn a year to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills—an immediate pressure point for small island states like Seychelles. Global Mayors Dialogue: Victoria’s mayor joins a Beijing dialogue on tech-empowered tourism, highlighting China-funded infrastructure and people-to-people ties.

SBC Independence Under Fire: Seychelles’ public broadcaster board says the new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken SBC’s institutional independence, warning that appointment powers may shift further toward the Executive. China-Taiwan Diplomatic Pressure: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged obstruction of President Lai’s Eswatini trip, after flight clearances were reportedly withdrawn under pressure. Victoria’s China Ties: Victoria mayor highlights “valuable benefits” from China-Seychelles cooperation, citing people-to-people links and China-funded local infrastructure. Regional Diplomacy in Japan: Seychelles’ agriculture minister meets Japan’s parliamentary vice-minister on cooperation ahead of further engagement. Domestic Tourism Push: Seychelles launches “Rediscover Seychelles” to boost staycations and local travel during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Oil Shock Warning: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn a year to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills, with small island states hit hardest. Aviation Standards Workshop: ICAO regional workshop in Eswatini trains African aviation regulators, including Seychelles, on ACR/PCR runway assessment standards. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledges US$1bn for trade finance across Africa, supporting letters of credit and guarantees. Global Mayors on Tech Tourism: Beijing dialogue brings mayors from 73 cities to discuss AI-enabled tourism and smarter city travel.