AGP Executive Report

Seychelles–Russia Relations: The first Seychelles–Russia chess tournament opened at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed to Russia Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with remarks from the Russian Embassy’s Minister-Counsellor Dmitrii Iordanidi. Assomption Island Inquiry: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Commission of Inquiry report on the sublease and development of Assomption Island at State House, marking the end of six months of work by Commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey. TRNUC Implementation: The National Assembly approved the Commission (for the Enforcement, Implementation and Monitoring of the TRNUC Recommendations) Bill, 2026, setting up an independent statutory body to oversee TRNUC outcomes, after two days of debate. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, with a focus on governance, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability. Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy stealth frigate INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria on 12 June, with planned meetings with Seychelles officials to strengthen defence and maritime security ties. Education Upgrade: The Smart Classroom project launched at Anse Royale secondary school aims to modernise teaching through digital innovation. Legal/Finance Watch: A Seychelles court dispute involving KuCoin and a Swiss investor over delisted CHP tokens remains unresolved, with the investor alleging a $2m+ award is still unpaid. International Aviation Link: Qatar Airways announced resumed Seychelles flights from 16 June, alongside added routes to Kigali, Marrakesh and Port Sudan.

Assomption Island Inquiry: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Commission of Inquiry report on the sublease and development of Assomption Island at State House, closing a six-month process led by Commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey. National Assembly Governance: The President also assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long-running legislative reform, while MPs approved the TRNUC Recommendations Bill 2026 to set up an independent commission to implement and monitor Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission outcomes. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, with priorities including institutional strengthening, collaboration, human capital and sustainability. Maritime Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria on June 12, with planned meetings with Seychelles officials and a focus on deepening maritime security ties. Crypto Court Fight: A Seychelles Supreme Court-linked dispute keeps KuCoin in the spotlight after a Swiss investor says a $2M+ award over delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid. Social Protection Debate: In the National Assembly, Ministers faced questions on home-care rules for older carers and confirmed a R800 increase in retirement pensions from January 2026.

Assomption Island Inquiry: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Commission of Inquiry report on the sublease and development of Assomption Island at State House, closing a six-month process led by Judge Mathilda Twomey. National Assembly Governance: The President also assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long legislative reform path. Truth, Reconciliation & Unity: After two days of debate, the National Assembly approved the TRNUC Recommendations Bill 2026, creating an independent statutory commission to implement and monitor TRNUC outcomes, with United Seychelles voting in favour and LDS abstaining. Tourism Policy: Seychelles backed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, stressing stronger institutions, collaboration, capacity building, sustainability, and priorities like connectivity and workforce development. Maritime Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria on June 12, with planned meetings with Seychelles officials to deepen defence and maritime security ties. Legal/Finance Watch: A Seychelles court dispute has put KuCoin back under scrutiny after a Swiss investor says a Supreme Court award of over $2 million remains unpaid over delisted CHP tokens. Ocean Agenda: Seychelles-linked discussions around ocean conservation funding and the Our Ocean conference in Kenya highlight a widening financing gap for marine protection.

Assomption Island Inquiry: President Dr Patrick Herminie has received the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the sublease and development of Assomption Island, delivered by Commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey at State House—marking the end of six months of work. National Assembly Lawmaking: The President has assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long legislative reform process. TRNUC Implementation: After two days of debate, the National Assembly approved the TRNUC Recommendations Bill 2026, creating an independent statutory commission to implement and monitor Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission outcomes. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles backed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, with emphasis on institutional foundations, collaboration, capacity building, sustainability, connectivity and workforce development. Social Policy Questions: In Parliament, Ministers faced questions on home care arrangements for older carers and on pension increases, including confirmation of an R800 rise across retirement categories since January 2026. Finance & Courts (Offshore-linked): A Seychelles court dispute continues to spotlight crypto compliance, with a Swiss investor alleging KuCoin has not paid a Supreme Court award of over $2 million tied to delisted tokens. Education & Tech: A “Smart Classroom” project was launched at Anse Royale secondary school to modernise teaching through digital innovation.

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.