Africa-Press – Seychelles. Madam Speaker,
“The Vice President of the Republic,
“The Leader of Government Business,
“Leader of the Opposition,
“Minister,
“Members of the National Assembly,
Seychellois brothers and sisters,
“All Protocol Observed,
“Everyone who is listening,
“I am addressing you today in view of the situation that remains critical in the Middle East as a result of this
War between Iran, the United States and Israel.
“Despite the two-week ceasefire, the situation remains uncertain and unstable on a global level.
Although the conflict is far from us, and we are not directly involved, already we are feeling its impact
And we will continue to feel even after the war is over.
“First, our tourism industry which was doing very, very well at the beginning of this year, where many
experts had even predicted it would be a year with the highest number of tourists in the history of Seychelles, this
The industry has now been hit considerably.
“The number of visitors has dropped by about 40%, and this is mainly due to air connectivity, mainly
Emirates and other airlines that pass through the Middle East have significantly reduced their number of flights.
“At the same time, fuel supply, trade and the cost of living, while currently remaining fairly stable, will not be able to withstand the adverse effects if the situation in the Middle East does not improve.
“It is my responsibility as head of state, not only to reassure them, but also to prepare them. My government has already put in place the necessary structures, partnerships and measures to ensure that our people
Not very adversely affected. That is why we are asking you, not to panic.
“We are in control of the situation and as I always tell you, “Trust the process”.
“At the beginning of the crisis, I decided to establish at the Council of Ministers an Emergency Committee to coordinate and monitor fuel stocks, the supply of essential commodities, price trends, ship movements, tourist numbers, and economic activity in general, so that every decision we take is informed, timely and effective.
“My government has taken several actions to ensure that basic commodities including medicines and fuel, are in stock for at least two months. We have also directed the Central Bank to ensure that there is sufficient foreign exchange in commercial banks and exchange offices.
“We have directed Air Seychelles to go to Europe, in order to support our tourism industry, and at the same time, we are in close negotiations with airlines that are supposed to stop their flights to Seychelles at the end of next month, to continue flying until at least the end of September.
“The government is actively exploring options to rent a container vessel to ensure that the necessary commodities are adequately available in the country.
“We are also working closely with partner countries and suppliers to ensure continued availability of essential commodities.
“Additional stocks have been secured, to increase our national reserves and strengthen our resilience. Soon we will receive several shipments from Russia, India and China. We have taken concrete steps across key sectors:
Food Safety:
“We have re-established the National Food Security Committee to help ensure that our agricultural production increases. Local production through our farmers and fishermen remains central to our resilience.
“In order to encourage more local production and reduce imports, STC has been instructed to purchase all products in addition to farmers producing locally.
“We are also introducing subsidies for animal feed to encourage more meat production. And we are taking steps to get the fertilizer that we need, for our farmers to increase local production. We are also discussing a mechanism to buy surplus fish from fishermen.
“Additional reserves have also been secured, and supply chains have been strengthened across Africa, Mauritius, and Asia as well as Europe.
“I am going to several of these countries in person to consolidate the agreements.
Fuel and Energy:
“Fuel supply currently remains stable, with stocks in place and shipments safe. As we know our biggest threat remains however interruptions in the supply of fuel and energy, as well as price increases on the international market, which will negatively impact everything especially the cost of living. All indications are that fuel prices will remain high for several months even if the war ends.
“That is why we have taken certain decisions to start with fuel and energy conservation.
“From Monday we are asking all Ministries to encourage public service workers, where possible, to work from home. Our hope is that this will reduce the amount of fuel consumed for transportation, reduce traffic congestion and reduce electricity consumption in government offices without affecting the performance of government and public services. This measure will remain in place until the oil supply situation and its price improves globally.
“In the meantime we have little choice but to increase the price of fuel at the pump by R1 from R20.19 to R21.19 from Monday, April 13, 2026. This decision has not been taken lightly, and the government will continue to implement measures to minimize the impact on households and businesses. I also want to reassure you that, at this stage, there will be nono increase in electricity tariffs.
Tourism and air connectivity:
“Despite global disruption, Seychelles remains connected. We are working closely with airline partners and the tourism sector to maintain the number of visitors and as you already know Air Seychelles has started flying to Europe.
“Air Seychelles is chartering larger aircraft to help bring more visitors from Europe to Seychelles. We have started discussions with the airline Aeroflot which is supposed to stop flying to Seychelles next month, to continue coming to Seychelles until at least September. Today Aeroflot is bringing the largest number of tourists to Seychelles with more than a thousand (1,000) visitors per week. We are also in discussions with new potential partners such as Air Tanzania and Air Austral.
“For our tourism industry it is important that we maintain, and where possible, strengthen our connectivity, we have already seen a decline in visitor arrivals, and any further interruption in flights will only deepen this trend and seriously aggravate our situation.
“In addition, the government has assessed the feasibility of temporarily reducing rent payments for airport tenants who are directly affected by the decline in tourism.
Health:
“The health of our people remains paramount. And although there are many shortcomings in this ministry we are putting all our energy to guarantee essential medical materials as well as medicines that hospitals and clinics need.
Economy:
“Our country’s economy remains stable, our foreign exchange reserves cover approximately four months of imports, and our financial system continues to function normally. We will act decisively to protect our businesses and safeguard jobs. To support businesses, the government will introduce targeted tax relief measures, flexible payment arrangements, VAT refunds as soon as possible, to help improve liquidity especially for the tourism and trade sectors.
“Pension contributions by employers will also be postponed for three months, to the end of June, without any penalty or interest, to provide immediate relief.
“The government has also started giving a fifty percent reduction on the rent it charges for a period of three months to tenants administered by the Seychelles Enterprise Agency ‘ESA’. The same discount will be given to Craft village tenants.
“The government has also held discussions with banking institutions that will allow businesses with loans to approach their banks to request a temporary moratorium. As well as a temporary overdraft facility. Banks remain ready to support their customers and the government encourages customers to engage with their banks and find solutions that suit their needs.
But it is important for the Seychellois people to know that if the situation continues to deteriorate, we will have to take more difficult measures and move to another level of national preparedness. This will be done in a measured and responsible manner, with the intention of maintaining stability and protecting our people.
“It will include prudent adjustments in government spending, cancellation of capital projects, and preserving our foreign exchange reserves, while ensuring that essential commodities remain available.
“We will also review our social and support programs to ensure that help goes to those most in need.
“At all times my government’s priority is to manage this situation in a way that minimizes the impact on the economy, to safeguard supply chains, stabilize key sectors, protect small businesses and preserve jobs, and support the most vulnerable among us.
“But today, once again, I am reassuring you that we are not yet at this stage.
Seychellois brothers and sisters
“Preparedness is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective and national responsibility. We need to start by looking at ourselves on an individual level.
“Small actions every day have big impacts. Let’s focus on things that are essential, avoid unnecessary expenses, and use things in a responsible way for example reduce personal travel, and reduce the importation of unnecessary things. Where possible, use more local ingredients.
“I appeal to every home, every business, and every institution to act in a calm, responsible manner, and to be considerate of others.
“That’s how we’re going to protect each other.
Seychellois brothers and sisters,
“But today once again I want to reassure you that we have not reached a stage where there is a need to panic. Today, we remain ready, vigilant, and firmly in control of all things.
“I would also like to express my deep appreciation and admiration for the dedication and commitment of our technicians and private sector representatives who are contributing to the various National Committees for the management of this crisis. Their professionalism, expertise, and sense of patriotism have truly inspired me during this period. I’m so proud of them.
“I want to make a special mention to the Air Seychelles team, management, staff, pilots and crew, and other workers for their remarkable work, not only to maintain connectivity, but in particular for their efforts in repatriating our Seychellois who were trapped in these conflict zones.
“My appreciation also goes to the volunteers in the diaspora and our diplomats who have helped in the efforts torepatriate our students and Seychellois. Their efforts and work have been truly noticed and appreciated.
A nation that has proven its strength and resilience
“Seychelles has faced similar external shocks before.
“Every time, we didn’t panic.
“We are not divided.
“We have not backed down.
“We stood together with discipline, unity, and determination.
“And each time, we have come out victorious and stronger, and seven times we will do it again.
“So today, I ask all Seychellois:
“• Let solidarity guide us.
“• Let unity strengthen us.
“• Let discipline define our actions.
“The government will continue to act early and quickly, decisively, and responsibly.
“And together, we will protect stability, livelihoods, and the future of our nation.
“We’re ready.
“We have coordinated.
“And together we will cross this journey.
“So I say to you stay calm, stay confident, and continue to “TRUST THE PROCESS”.
“My wish is that this conflict ends as soon as possible.
“May God bless you all,
“And may God bless our country Seychelles.”
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