Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission – Hearing Number 238   “Atrocities by Albert Rene should be condemned,” says Peter Boniface |10 December 2021

Peter Boniface

“Investigating criminal acts is not revenge, but rather a way for closure and peace of mind for families and close ones of those who suffered at the hands of Albert Rene during the one-party era for having a different opinion.”

Singer Peter ‘Bones’ Boniface who was the first person to appear in open session of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) yesterday, made the statement while sharing his testimony and giving accounts of various events which happened in Seychelles during the one-party era.

This, he said, is the only way towards national unity and the way forward and prosperity of our small nation.

He explained that he initially planned to appear in closed session since he felt that his complaint – Case 0417 – was not as relevant, in terms of suffering, or torture as others heard by the TRNUC.

Mr Boniface said condemning the criminal acts of Albert Rene is very important in many ways, including justice for families of those murdered,  enabling them to heal.

He said it is also important to condemn the acts as a sign of warning for any aspiring extremist politician that the people of Seychelles do not tolerate such ideology and acts.

He said he did not endure any physical ill-treatment – other than unlawful detention – during the one-party era when innocent people were being victimised based on their political ideology, simply because those responsible could not touch him at that time.

At the time of the 1977 Coup, Mr Boniface said he was in England, studying law, until 1979.

Upon his arrival in the country, Mr Boniface said he was shocked to see the amount of fear and violence that existed at the time, instigated by Albert Rene.

He said before the coup, the country was united, filled with respect and joie de vivre, and that he could not understand how come only one man changed that to fulfil his own personal agenda.

He added that he was shocked that people such as Lenin and Mao were being worshiped as heroes.

Mr Boniface said that at the age of 21 years old, he decided to challenge Albert Rene, especially through his songs which promoted national unity.

Unfortunately, most of his songs were banned on national radio.

He explained that he and other friends started a charity group to help children, but were told that they were not allowed to do so since it was considered as political activities.

Mr Boniface also shared with the TRNUC that he wanted to open a newspaper to motivate the youth, but was denied in 1980 by James Michel who was Minister responsible for Information at that time, telling him that he was trying to instigate demonstration among the youth.

He re-applied in 1985, and was again denied permission.

Another victimisation he endured was the cancellation of British government scholarship.

On one occasion, Mr Boniface said he was arrested while working at the Victoria Law Centre and was questioned regarding anti-government leaflets, before being sacked.

After being black-listed by the government, he started entertainment in hotels, before being banned, following orders from the government.

He was later arrested and detained, before leaving the country in 1988 after receiving several advice.

He said that he also helped a lot people who had health problems on a voluntary basis.

To continue, Mr Boniface explained that he has a premonition – presentiment – that there would be turmoil in the country, it is therefore his duty to come advocate for national unity.

Something which he said is possible, while a small group of people, including those who have enriched themselves with tax payers’ money, and those who have been indoctrinated by Albert Rene, without realising that he was being controlled by evil power.

He described the 43 years of power by the former regime as a cover-up for evil-doings.

Mr Boniface described Albert Rene as an ego-maniac who wanted everyone to share the same belief, thinking that only his ideology was relevant, while persecuting those who thought otherwise.

He said people were tricked into believing that whoever challenged the ideology were enemies, threatening progress and wellbeing of the country.

“As a prime minister, Albert Rene could have carried out any reform programme he wanted and there were no reasons whatsoever to do any coup,” explained Mr Boniface who further added that the 1977 coup was not justified.

This, he described as imaginary threats, causing panic and anger among the people, preventing national unity.

Humility is another point that Mr Boniface talked about, commending ex-President Danny Faure for his sense of humility during the transition of power.

He also referred to the late President James Mancham who pardoned Albert Rene after significant evidence proved that he was responsible for the bombing of Reef Hotel, while the latter overthrew him barely a year after the country’s independence.

Mr Boniface also noted that even if he was on the black list at that time, he received help from many people who supported the system, especially army personnel who swore to defend the revolution.

He also shared some stories he heard from the late Ogilvy ‘Jamaican’ Letourdie regarding various incidents, involving the military, including the November 1981 mercenary invasion.

He said Jamaican was once sent to harm him, but instead he helped him to escape the threat.

He advised everyone to avoid being tricked by politicians, regardless their political beliefs, or parties.

He urged the people of Seychelles to adopt the principle of balance and tolerance, accepting and respecting each other’s opinions.

Speaking on the actual economical situation, Mr Boniface explained that due to mismanagement of public funds by the previous regime, the country is now in a difficult situation, with the current government trying to fix the situation.

He however noted that once the situation is resolved, the government should take care of the most vulnerable class of the society.

He added that we should be careful since there is a small group of people who are taking pleasure in and enjoying the situation for political gain and mileage.

Mr Boniface said next year he will launch a National Unity Movement, through educational campaigns.

He invited everyone to take part through various platforms and media to provide moral guidance, and encourage the nation to unite and live in peace, in a spirit of unity and morality.

For the little group who is still capitalising on the country’s weakness to create chaos and commotion, Mr Boniface invited them to join the cause, instead of fighting against it, since according him, they will not succeed.

Still at yesterday’s hearing, the TRNUC was supposed to listen to complainant Roy Finesse in case 0492, regarding various issues of victimisation.

Roland Duval