Authorities in Seychelles have established a new committee to oversee the implementation of recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission regarding human rights violations linked to the 1977 coup and to determine compensation owed to victims.
Committee members took an oath before President Patrick Herminie on Thursday before holding their first meeting, where they elected politicians George Bibi as chair and Jack Koy Gblimo as vice-chair.
The new committee’s mandate extends for five years, during which it will monitor the implementation of recommendations outlined in the final report of the Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission, submitted to the former president in March 2023, alongside determining compensation for eligible victims and facilitating its disbursement.
The background of this issue dates back to the Truth, Reconciliation, and National Unity Commission established by authorities in 2018 to investigate violations related to the coup that occurred on June 5, 1977, as well as issues from subsequent periods.
The coup ousted President James Mancham less than a year after Seychelles gained independence from Britain, bringing supporters of France Albert Rene to power, leading the country into a long period of one-party rule that lasted until 1993, when multiparty democracy was restored.
During its work from 2018 to 2022, the Truth Commission investigated cases involving human rights violations, unlawful detention, property confiscation, and other grievances, before issuing a series of recommendations related to reconciliation, national unity, and reparations for victims.
Its final report documented instances of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, repression, and sexual violence, and addressed the ongoing effects of slavery and colonialism on social and ethnic divisions in the country.
The commission concluded that the coup and the subsequent repression left long-lasting impacts on the establishment of democracy and the protection of human rights in Seychelles.
George Bibi, the chair of the committee, stated that determining compensation owed to victims will be one of its primary tasks, noting that there are between 45 and 48 recommendations to be addressed.
He explained that the committee will examine each case individually, considering the nature of the violation suffered by the victim and its impact.
The cases include instances of unlawful detention, land confiscation, as well as victims who experienced psychological trauma due to the violations they endured.
After a decision regarding compensation is made, the victim will be informed of the decision, and the case will then be referred to the trust fund responsible for disbursing the amounts approved by the committee.
Bibi declined to comment on amounts previously requested by some victims or other parties, clarifying that he cannot determine whether those demands are legally grounded.
The committee will oversee approximately 375 cases; however, the review of files will not begin immediately, as it must first complete several organizational and administrative arrangements.
This phase includes establishing the committee’s headquarters, hiring staff, and setting up necessary procedures to handle the files.
Bibi stated that committee members have recently taken their oaths and that they have much organizational work ahead before they can start reviewing cases, emphasizing that the task is sensitive and requires effective handling.
He estimated that the preparation phase would take about two months, with actual work on the files expected to commence in October.
The pace of case processing remains uncertain, as Bibi indicated that the number of files the committee can address annually will depend on the procedures adopted once it is fully operational.
The cases the committee will consider will not be limited to the 1977 coup period, as alleged violations extend to the terms of the first three presidents of Seychelles.
Bibi noted that the arrangement of files will begin according to the period during which the violations occurred, acknowledging that practical challenges may affect the processing, including the deaths of some victims whose names appeared in the Truth Commission’s report.
The Truth Commission also recommended measures beyond financial compensation, including opening an independent investigation into violations related to the National Youth Service program, enhancing public awareness to combat stigma, and implementing measures to reduce sexual exploitation and violence against women.