AGP Executive Report

SIDS Diplomacy: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session, with the country taking the presidency through December 2027, as leaders push for practical action on sustainable energy, climate resilience and ocean governance. Regional Security & Governance: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for UN Security Council reform and fairer global financial rules, arguing Africa deserves stronger representation and better access to long-term investment. Military & International Engagement: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay visited Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop in Port Victoria, underscoring continued defence and diplomatic ties. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles secured an award at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives, winning “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination.” Aviation Fallout: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the route amid claims of “political and diplomatic considerations.” Local Environment & Civic Action: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community clean-up involving residents and schoolchildren, backed by local partners including Wastea. Sports Spotlight: Seychelles-linked regional attention continues as Nigeria’s Sand Eagles step up preparations for CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers against Ghana.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected by acclamation to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session, with the country set to hold the presidency through December 2027, reinforcing its push on sustainable energy and climate resilience. Regional Security & UN Reform: Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima told the UN General Assembly that Africa must be represented in global security decision-making, renewing calls for two permanent Security Council seats for Africa and more cooperation to counter cross-border threats. Mauritius-Air Seychelles Dispute: Mauritius refused landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the service after “political and diplomatic considerations” were cited by the tour operator; passengers were left seeking alternative arrangements. Russian Naval Visit in Victoria: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay and Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette visited the Russian Navy training ship Perekop during its first port call in Victoria. Cybersecurity Shock (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget says North Korea is very likely behind a major hack, with losses put at about $387.5m after unauthorized transfers from hot wallets. Beach Soccer Focus: Nigeria’s Sand Eagles stepped up preparations in Kaduna for CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers against Ghana, with the first leg set for 10 October and the return in Accra on 17 October.

UN Diplomacy & Reform: African leaders, including Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, used the UN General Assembly to press for UN Security Council reform and fairer global finance, with calls for Africa to get at least two permanent seats. Seychelles Foreign Policy: Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ “friend to all, enemy to none” non-alignment message, framing it as an active choice for peace. Regional Security: Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima argued at the UN that Africa’s security needs cross-border cooperation, intelligence sharing, and stronger capacity, while again demanding Security Council representation. Local Environment: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community beach and public-space clean-up, continuing the Cleanup Marathon with schools and partners including Wastea and the Seychelles–Russia Friendship Association. Seychelles in the News Abroad: Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop made its first port call in Victoria, with cadets and cultural events planned. Cyber & Finance (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles-based Bitget reported a major hack tied to North Korean-linked patterns, temporarily suspending withdrawals while saying user funds were safe. Assembly & Regional Institutions: Seychelles National Assembly unanimously approved motions to accede to agreements establishing the Africa Finance Corporation and the African Legal Support Facility.

UN Reform & Finance: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for UN Security Council reform, arguing Africa should get at least two permanent seats and more say in global financial decisions as debt costs crowd out health, education and climate spending. Seychelles Diplomacy: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie echoed “friend to all, enemy to none” and non-alignment as an active choice for peace, reviving the island’s tourism-soft-power identity in global talks. Seychelles Clean-up Drive: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community clean-up involving residents and schoolchildren, continuing a broader Cleanup Marathon with local and Russia–Seychelles friendship partners and Wastea. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s vice president urged cross-border intelligence sharing and action against the financing of violence, linking Sahel instability to wider regional risks. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A Russian Baltic Fleet training ship, Perekop, made its first port call at Victoria, with protocol and cultural events alongside naval training. Cyber & Finance Shock: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget reported a major hack tied to North Korea, froze withdrawals, and said user funds were safe while losses were covered by its own protection fund.

UN Diplomacy & Peace Messaging: President Patrick Herminie told the UN that Seychelles is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” framing non-alignment as an “active choice for peace,” reviving the island’s tourism-style soft power as a possible discreet meeting ground. UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima urged deeper African cooperation on security and called for at least two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council with veto power—echoing Seychelles’ own push for full African representation. Maritime Security & Foreign Naval Presence: Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop arrived in Victoria for a first-time port call, with Seychelles Coast Guard participation, underscoring the Indian Ocean’s strategic attention. Cyber & Financial Oversight: Seychelles-based Bitget reported a North Korea-linked hack after unauthorized transfers from hot wallets, initially put at $351.6m and later “more complete” accounting near $388m, while withdrawals were paused. Sports & International Fixtures: Seychelles women’s football team prepare for Olympic qualifiers against Kenya in Nairobi, with travel set for October 4. Crypto Market Fallout: Bitget also froze withdrawals after the theft, while BitMEX’s wind-down continues with fees for remaining balances.

UN Security Council Reform Push: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie told the UN General Assembly that Africa should get at least two permanent seats on the Security Council with veto power, linking the demand to “institutional survival and legitimacy” and calling for stronger maritime security, climate action, and fair application of international law. Seychelles Diplomacy at the AU: The Seychelles president also met the African Union Commission deputy chairperson, underscoring the island’s push for deeper continental engagement. Food Security Gap in the SWIO: A regional analysis warns climate change is turning food insecurity into an existential threat for small island states like Seychelles, despite ongoing cooperation and funding. Maritime Governance Watch: Commentary on the High Seas Treaty’s entry into force argues that paper protections won’t be enough without resources, institutions, and enforcement capacity. Crypto Security and Local Business Impact: Seychelles-based Bitget froze withdrawals after a reported $351.6m hack, saying user funds are safe and losses are covered by its protection fund—raising questions for regulators and users. Sports and Youth: Seychelles’ women’s football team prepares for Olympic qualifiers in Nairobi, while local motorsport groups urge corporate support to turn international FIA links into pathways for young talent.

UN Diplomacy & Security Council Reform: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie used the UN General Assembly to back Africa’s push for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, while also stressing maritime security, intelligence-sharing, and stronger climate action. African Institutions: The National Assembly unanimously approved motions to let Seychelles accede to agreements establishing the Africa Finance Corporation and the African Legal Support Facility. Media Freedom Watch: In the DRC, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, detained over comments tied to allegations involving Fally Ipupa. Ocean Governance: A commentary marks the High Seas Treaty/BBNJ Agreement’s entry into force, warning that paper protections must be matched with real funding, institutions, and enforcement. Seychelles in Regional Mobility Talks: At a tourism and visas summit in India, Seychelles’ High Commissioner highlighted how easier mobility can deepen ties—timed to 50 years of diplomacy and Seychelles’ independence anniversary. Electricity Reality Check: An Afrobarometer report shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable power, with Seychelles among the top performers—useful context for local energy debates. Sports & Youth: Minister Kelsey Belle backed the women’s Olympic qualifiers build-up, while Seychelles also hosted Clean Shores Run activities linking sport with coastal cleanup.

UN Security Council Reform & Africa Representation: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie told the UN General Assembly that Africa should get at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, stressing legitimacy, maritime security, and stronger intelligence-sharing to tackle threats like illegal fishing and drug trafficking. African Institutions in Seychelles Law: The National Assembly unanimously approved motions to let government accede to agreements establishing the Africa Finance Corporation and the African Legal Support Facility. Indian Ocean Diplomacy & Mobility: At a tourism and diplomacy forum in India, Seychelles’ High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche backed easier travel links as a bridge for business, education and people-to-people ties. Seychelles-Africa AU Links: President Herminie met AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, discussing continued cooperation with AU institutions after the 2025 elections. Environment & Ocean Governance: The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) entered into force, but the “real test” now is whether states fund and implement protection for biodiversity beyond national waters. Media Freedom Watch: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged DRC authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, detained over defamation-linked allegations. Regional Security Cooperation: East African states backed a plan for a piracy and sea-crime task force across the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.

UN General Assembly: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie used the 81st UNGA to back Africa’s push for at least two permanent Security Council seats with veto power, while also warning that maritime security, illegal fishing and transnational crime remain key threats for island states. Media freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged DRC authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, arrested over an interview tied to allegations involving Fally Ipupa, calling for defamation laws to be decriminalized. Electricity access: An Afrobarometer report says fewer than half of Africans have reliable grid power, with Seychelles among the top performers—an issue that will resonate locally as government performance and energy reliability stay politically sensitive. Indian Ocean security: East African states backed a regional anti-piracy push under the Djibouti Code of Conduct, targeting piracy and sea crimes across the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean. Seychelles–UN diplomacy: The UNGA also saw Tanzania seek a non-permanent Security Council seat, adding to the wider debate on representation and UN reform. Environment & governance: Seychelles-based conservation work continues, including SPGA’s coastal monitoring capacity-building for mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors.

EU Blue Card Rules: Luxembourg has published the minimum annual salary for third-country nationals to qualify for an EU Blue Card—EUR 65,652—along with passport and contract requirements. Indian Ocean Sovereignty: The UK–Mauritius Chagos deal keeps Diego Garcia’s long-term military use under a 99-year lease, keeping the dispute firmly on the Indian Ocean security agenda. Media Freedom in Focus: In the DRC, journalist Virginie Manganga was arrested over comments tied to allegations involving musician Fally Ipupa, with the Committee to Protect Journalists calling for her release and defamation decriminalisation. Regional Security & Influence: Reporting highlights Russia’s expanding ties and military-linked presence in Madagascar, including GRU-linked figures and training activity after a coup. Energy Reliability Snapshot: An Afrobarometer report ranks Nigeria among the worst for reliable electricity, while Seychelles is listed among the continent’s higher performers. Seychelles Sports & Youth: Seychelles Motorsport gets a push to turn FIA-linked access into local opportunities, while the Clean Shores Run in Roche Caïman blends sport and coastal cleanup with government and diplomatic support. Environment Monitoring: SPGA completes a week-long capacity programme to strengthen monitoring of mangroves, reefs and seagrass corridors. International Mobility: South Korea’s ETA rules list Seychelles for a 30-day permitted stay, while smart entry gates exclude African countries.

Seychelles-India Defence Links: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet are set to attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, as India continues defence and maritime support including repaired Dornier equipment for EEZ surveillance and faster in-house testing. Taiwan–Eswatini Disaster Cooperation: President William Lai pledged deeper disaster preparedness and response cooperation with Eswatini under the World Alliance for Disaster Management, including sharing prevention technology and rescue expertise—an example of how small states build resilience through partnerships. Seychelles Environment Monitoring: SPGA completed a week-long capacity programme on scientific and socio-economic monitoring for mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project, aiming to strengthen local skills for coastal ecosystem management. Seychelles–Russian Political Presence: Russian citizens voted at the Russian Embassy in Seychelles during the State Duma election process, with polling described as calm despite rain affecting turnout. Air Services Treaty Scrutiny: Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has begun inquiries into air services agreements with Oman and Seychelles, inviting submissions on trade and tourism benefits. Global Transport Diplomacy: China pushed for deeper international sustainable transport cooperation, including green shipping corridors and zero-carbon fuel bunkering networks, as logistics disruptions keep rising.

Seychelles-India Defence Ties: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet are set to attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, as India continues defence and maritime support, including repaired Dornier electronic units and calibrated tools for EEZ surveillance and SAR. Seychelles-UK Travel Access: UK rules confirm Seychellois citizens are visa-exempt for short visits to Britain, but still generally need an ETA; Seychelles also appears as the only African country eligible for the UK’s Registered Traveller fast-border clearance scheme (with extra visit/visa conditions). Seychelles Coastal Monitoring: SPGA completed a week-long capacity programme on scientific and socio-economic monitoring for mangroves, reefs and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project, aiming to strengthen local expertise for ecosystem management. Regional Diplomacy & Airspace: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged deeper cooperation with Eswatini on disaster preparedness under the World Alliance for Disaster Management, while recalling that Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar previously withdrew airspace permissions for his chartered aircraft amid alleged pressure from China. International Spotlight: A Seychelles Aquatics Series opener saw Russian swimmer Alisa Pepelina dominate multiple freestyle and breaststroke events, marking the start of the local season.

Seychelles-India Defence Ties: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet will attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, as India continues maritime and air-surveillance support for Seychelles. Coastal Conservation Push: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) completed a week-long Scientific and Socio-Economic Monitoring training for mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Environmental Leadership: Conservationist Jeremy Raguain has joined the Island Conservation Society (ICS) Board of Trustees, bringing experience from Seychelles field conservation and multilateral ocean diplomacy. Blue Economy & Fisheries Value: Seychelles is reaching out to India to deepen cooperation on tuna processing, post-harvest upgrades, and higher-value products from fish waste and seaweed, alongside improved fisheries data and monitoring. Tourism Connectivity: Condor confirms year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, ending a seasonal gap and boosting nonstop access for visitors. Sports & Community: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 participants, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador backing International Coastal Cleanup Day. International Mobility Rules: South Korea lists Seychelles for a 30-day ETA stay, while UK rules also keep Seychelles eligible for faster Registered Traveller border clearance. Regional Spotlight: BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns to Moscow (28–30 Sept), with Seychelles Fashion Week CEO Tery Carola among participants.

India–Seychelles Defence & Blue Economy Links: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet are set to join a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, with recent India support including repaired Dornier electronic units and calibrated tools for EEZ surveillance. Fisheries Value-Add Push: Seychelles is also seeking deeper cooperation with India on tuna processing, and on higher-value products from fish waste and seaweed, alongside fisheries data for monitoring and surveillance. Coastal Monitoring Capacity: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority wrapped a week-long Scientific and Socio-Economic Monitoring training for mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Tourism Connectivity Watch: Condor confirmed year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles service, ending a seasonal gap and restoring continuous direct access. Policy & Access for Seychellois Travellers: South Korea lists Seychelles for a 30-day ETA stay, while UK rules keep Seychelles eligible for visa-free visitor entry via the UK ETA system. Governance & Treaties: Seychelles-related air services treaty inquiries opened in Australia, with submissions due 29 September. Environment & Community: Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 participants, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle taking top finish among women.

Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand’s new entry rules took effect 15 September, cutting the general visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities, while Seychelles is listed for a 15-day visa-free category—travellers are urged to check passport “admitted until” dates. Seychelles in UK Travel Rules: UK immigration updates say citizens of Seychelles (and Mauritius) are visa-exempt for short visits, but Seychelles is also covered by the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Russian Voting in Seychelles: Russian citizens voted at a polling station at the Russian Embassy in Seychelles, with organisers reporting calm proceedings despite rain slowing arrivals. Chagos Diplomacy: Maldives President Muizzu has asked UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reopen Chagos negotiations, adding another claimant layer to the long-running dispute. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles says it is reaching out to India to boost tuna processing, diversify products, improve post-harvest management, and strengthen fisheries data and surveillance. Clean Shores Run: A Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew Seychelles Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador, linking community sport with coastal cleanup efforts. UK Border Speed List: The UK published Registered Traveller eligibility for faster border clearance, listing Seychelles as the only African country on the 2026 eligible passport list. Tourism Disruption Watch: Middle East airspace closures are disrupting flights and raising costs, hitting island tourism including Seychelles. Aquaculture Opportunity: Seychelles is exploring farming the collector sea urchin for uni/roe, with work underway at the Sea Urchin Facility in Providence. Maritime Security Concern: A report highlights grey-zone Chinese maritime activity in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns for littoral states including Seychelles.

Russian Embassy Voting: Russian citizens voted at a Seychelles polling station on 20 September, with officials saying the process was calm despite heavy rain slowing turnout; Seychelles-based observers were present. UK Entry Rules for Seychellois: The UK confirms Seychelles is visa-exempt for short visits but still requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under the UK’s system, while Seychelles is also listed as eligible for the Registered Traveller scheme for faster border clearance if conditions are met. BRICS+ Fashion in Moscow: African fashion leaders, including figures tied to Seychelles’ wider regional fashion ecosystem, are set to attend the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow (28–30 Sept), billed as a trade and market-expansion forum. Tourism Under Strain: Seychelles, along with Sri Lanka and the Maldives, faces new tourism disruption as Middle East airspace closures force cancellations and rerouting. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles is reaching out to India to boost tuna processing, diversify products, improve post-harvest management, and strengthen fisheries data and surveillance. Environment & Security: A Seychelles Clean Shores Run drew Seychelles sports officials and the Russian ambassador for coastal cleanup awareness, while separate reporting highlights grey-zone maritime security concerns in the Indian Ocean and the growing risk from plastic and fishing gear washing ashore.