Flag of Seychelles

Seychelles Celebrates Independence 29 June 2023

By Joy Osiagwu

Seychelles is the smallest country on the African continent, with a population of 100, 447 in a territory of 177 square miles. Situated in the Indian Ocean archipelago, southeast of mainland East Africa, the country’s sources of wealth are fishing and tourism, considering the numerous beaches, mountain rain forests, and array of wildlife.

 Seychelles is one of the African nations with the continent’s greatest nominal per capita GDP. The country has one of the wealthiest compositions of races from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The settlers brought their cultures to the region, which resulted in a charming blend of Creole mosaics from across continents. The official languages of Seychelles are English, French, Seychellois, and Creole. Victoria is the capital city.

The former British colony gained independence from Britain on June 29, 1976. James Mancham, a legal practitioner, became the new nation’s first president after winning the popular vote. However, his reign was cut short in June 1977 due to a coup by Prime Minister France-Albert Rene, who had the Tanzanian revolutionaries on his side while Mancham was away attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

James Mancham, first President of Seychelles. Photo: Wikipedia

 Seychelles has since become a presidential republic with a stable and prosperous economy. The country’s per capita income is relatively high, with good health care and education.

Seychelles is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.

Current Governance Structure 

The governance structure has the President as the head of state and head of government. His tenure in office is a five-year term, and he can be re-elected. 

The President appoints cabinet members but is subject to the legislature’s approval. Wavel Ramkalawan is the current President of Seychelles. He was elected on October 26, 2020

President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles. Photo: Government of Seychelles

Trending News 

In preparation for its action plan and activities for 2023, Members of parliament from nations in the Indian Ocean Commission held statutory meetings in Seychelles Saturday, May 23-26, 2023.

According to the Seychelles New Agency, at a press conference on May 27, a member of the Seychelles National Assembly, Philip Monthy, said the meeting aimed to ensure that the members of the commission work as a block and put forward a familiar voice to address common challenges facing the islands ranging from unregulated fishing, drug trafficking, peace, and stability in the region. The body is also organizing a peace and stability project for the group.

Phillip Monthy (left) at the initial plans to reactivate the Indian Ocean Parliamentary Association

Seychelles Ottawa Connections

Seychelles does not have an Embassy in Ottawa. But they have a Consulate General in Toronto, ON M2L 119 Canada.

 Seychelles Consulate General in Montreal is on 67 Rue Ste Catherine Ouest Montreal, Qc H2X 1C3 Canada. Phone: +!541 2843 322 ext. 231

 Seychelles Consulate General in Vancouver on 1730 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3G7.

Phone: +1 604 738 7233