President Faure meets Defence Council |09 February 2018

President Danny Faure met the Defence Council yesterday to discuss various issues affecting the community.

The meeting took place at State House in the presence of Attorney General (AG) Frank Ally, the Commissioner of Police Kishnan Labonté, Chief of Staff Colonel Michael Rosette and the deputy Commissioner of Police Romano Songor among others.

Various issues were discussed during the meeting such as crime, combating the current threat of drug smuggling by sea, and the Assumption Island military deal with India, that will enable the construction of military infrastructure on the island.

Speaking to the media after the meeting AG Ally stated that the discussions focused on pertinent issues presently touching the country.

“We discussed about the joint operation between the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) and the Seychelles Police recently. We also talked about the key issues affecting our community such as drug trafficking and crime. We have to find concrete solutions to tackle such major problem. Concerning the Assumption Island military deal with India, both parties were able to discuss and brief each other on such project, along with the issues surrounding the implementation of such project. Apart from Seychelles and India other countries stand to benefit from the project which will provide increased surveillance in the region,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Songor added that the police want to combat the current threat of drug smuggling by sea from Afghanistan.

“We discussed the current situation of drug trafficking in the country and in the Indian Ocean. What route the drug smugglers are using to bring drugs to our small island.  Along with other international partners we will discuss about a new strategic plan to combat drug smuggling by sea along with the help of the SPDF and the AG’s office,” he said.

Colonel Rosette said that the joint meeting between the police force, SPDF and the AG’s office was to discuss a strategic security plan for Seychelles.

“We need to work together under the guidance of the President so that our country remains protected from any potential threat. There are still some issues affecting the community such as drug trafficking, we need to eliminate such problem, and have a better maritime security to prevent drugs from entering the country.  So better communication with all the partners involved will provide much benefit for the country,” he said.