Reforms in criminal justice system, Commission of Inquiry in prison riot, setting up of Economic Council highlighted in President’s address

A judge will be sworn in to lead an investigation into Travizory, a company whose contract was a major fraud and which today owes the State SCR65 million (USD4.5 million) rupees, said President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie.

The President made the announcement in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday in the National Assembly, in which he stated that in its first 100 days, this government acted decisively.

“We did not delay. We did not hesitate. And we did not govern by excuses,” he said.

Herminie said this is the first time in Seychelles’ history that a government has delivered so much, in such a short space of time, indeed, within its first 100 days, not through promises, but through concrete action.

“When we say 'trust the process, ' it is because we know when we make a promise, we deliver,” he added.

Cost of Living

The President said that one of the greatest concerns is the cost of living.  

“Today, Seychelles is the most expensive country in Africa. That is unacceptable, especially when one considers that Seychelles no longer ranks among the top 10 African countries in terms of purchasing power. Today, I can assure you that the prices of essential commodities will decrease significantly during the course of 2026,” he stated.

Reform in Criminal Justice System

Herminie said, “Today, corruption has infected our country, and unfortunately, many institutions have not been spared. Corruption is now the greatest challenge facing our nation - even greater than the problem of drugs.”

“This is why we will soon announce comprehensive reforms to our criminal justice system,” he announced.

CCCL Explosion

The President said the government is actively working on the legal provisions for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the CCCL incident, to determine the truth and to provide clear answers to the residents of Petit Paris and to the nation as a whole. When lives, safety, and communities are affected, silence is not an option.

Commission of Inquiry in Prison Riot

The President announced the creation of a Commission of Inquiry into the events surrounding the prison riot of 5 December, in which two inmates lost their lives.

“Those individuals were incarcerated for their mistakes, but they remained human beings. They were sons, brothers, and fathers. And while they were in custody, they were under the care and responsibility of the State. Their families deserve the truth. They deserve answers. And the nation deserves assurance that dignity, safety, and accountability apply to everyone without exception,” he said.

National Unity Committee 

The Committee has been set up to implement the recommendations of the TRNUC.

“My government has set aside 20 million rupees in the 2026 budget to begin compensating the victims. We have also finally established the Economic Council, composed primarily of private-sector representatives, to help us build a stronger and more resilient economy. The names of the members of this Council will be announced shortly,” said Herminie.

Housing

President Herminie said the true measure of the nation will be how the government support those who do not have a home, and that more than 3,200 Seychellois are still paying into housing schemes and awaiting assistance.

“I am proud to announce that my government has already secured the funding to construct more than one thousand homes starting this year, and we remain firmly convinced that by 2030, we will be on track to complete 2,000 homes,” he said.

He also announced that “the government will deliver at least 150 residential land plots, which will reduce the waiting list by at least one third in the first year of our mandate, with plans to deliver additional plots in 2027.”

Additonally the government will also resume land reclamation works to create more than 570,000 square metres of new land, including the preparation of Île Aurore for housing projects, schools, and infrastructure development, as well as to support the growth of small businesses.

Social Protection

Herminie said the government is strengthening social protection so that assistance arrives on time, is delivered with dignity, and is linked to clear support plans and expectations.

Reduced bus fares

“In the same spirit, as from 1 February 2026, bus fares will be reduced by SCR 2 — from SCR 10 (USD 0.7) to SCR 8 (USD 0.55)— with a clear plan to introduce further reductions to SCR 7 (USD 0.48) in 2027 and SCR 6 (USD 0.41) in 2028. This is in line with our plan to ease daily pressure on families, workers, students, and senior citizens, and to ensure that mobility remains affordable for all.

Telecommunication

“My government also believes that telecommunications and internet costs remain too high and inefficient in Seychelles. We are confident that by April this year, negotiations with Starlink will be concluded to make telecommunications more affordable and accessible,” the President announced.

Youth Development

Herminie said the young people stand at the centre of an extraordinary moment in history. They are growing up in one of the most technologically advanced and information-rich eras the world has ever known.

“In 2026, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will establish a Youth Empowerment Council to formalise youth participation in national decision-making. This body will serve as a structured bridge between young people and policymakers, ensuring that policies affecting our youth are informed by their lived experiences and aspirations,” he announced.

Education

Under education, the President said a Government that governs for the many, not the few, must ensure that education opens doors, not closes them and that education must prepare young people not only to pass exams, but to live, work, and contribute meaningfully to society.

“I am pleased to announce that my government has secured funding for the construction of a modern Technical and Vocational Learning Centre, designed to equip our youth with the practical skills, confidence, and competence they need to enter the world of work,” he said.

In his conclusion, the President said, “As we mark 50 years of Independence, we are reminded that independence was never the end of the journey. It was the beginning of responsibility.”

He called on Seychellois to “move forward together -with confidence,- with purpose, - and with hope. Because the Seychelles we are building is not just for today. It is for our children. It is for our grandchildren. And it is for all who will one day call these islands home.