Protest on Saturday to oppose Assomption Island deal |01 February 2018

A protest gathering is being organised for Saturday February 3 at 9.30am in Victoria at the clock tower to oppose the Assomption Island deal between the Seychelles government and the Indian government.

A press communiqué Seychelles NATION received late yesterday afternoon from Ralph Volcère, editor of The Independent newspaper, says that the commissioner of police has already been notified about the event.

In the communiqué, Mr Volcère is asking all concerned citizens to come down on Saturday to protest over this situation.

“We firmly believe that Seychelles must not get involved in the geopolitical games and/or conflicts between the nuclear powers. We need to remain non-aligned; “friendly to all - enemy to none”, to quote former President James Mancham.

“Furthermore, the construction of a military facility of that magnitude on Assomption Island, which is in very close proximity to the Aldabra atoll, which is the distance between Mahé to Praslin, is in direct conflict with our policies on protecting the environment. This facility will also place Seychelles at great risk should a military conflict involving India ever happen.

“We are therefore demanding the National Assembly to reject this agreement, when it is finally brought before parliament for ratification.

“The only thing that can stop this crime against the people of Seychelles now is mass protestation. Come join with us to save our heritage,” writes Mr Volcère.