Seychelles Roundup: AUC elections, donations, bilateral aviation talks
Regulations for commercial goods
Seychelles has formalised regulations for commercial goods valued at lower than SCR1500 ($109) to be exempt from customs declaration. The decision aims to regularise existing practices and reduce confusion among the public. This exemption only applies to commercial goods and has been in practice since 2013, but is now being formally implemented, Seychelles News Agency reports.
Former Vice President endorsed for AUC chairmanship
Seychelles endorses former Vice President Vincent Meriton for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, praising his leadership on the international stage. Meriton joins three other candidates, including Kenya's Raila Odinga, in the race to succeed current chair Moussa Faki. The election is scheduled for February 2025, with candidates from Eastern Africa region eligible. Campaigns will begin once applications are submitted by May, local news platform People Daily reports.
Donations and humanitarian support
Seychelles Islands Foundation has started a 'give back campaign' to strengthen ties with communities near the Vallee de Mai and Aldabra reserves it manages. The campaign includes donations to the local hospital, plans to open the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve to the public, and creating a fund to support local artisans. The Seychelles News Agency indicates that the Foundation also plans to move forward with the Aldabra House project on Mahe.
Pirates transferred to Seychelles for trial
EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta has handed over six alleged pirates to Seychelles for trial after their attack on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden. The EU has legal agreements with Seychelles for the trial of suspected pirates, and Operation Atalanta remains committed to supporting the prosecution of the case. Since 2008, 177 suspected pirates have been transferred to authorities, with 145 convictions, Southern Africa’s Freight News reports.
Bilateral aviation talks between India and Seychelles
IndiGo, a fast-growing airline from India, plans to launch flights to Seychelles in October 2024, with three weekly flights expected. This follows bilateral aviation talks between the two countries, aiming to create more opportunities for airlines to operate. India's interest in Seychelles as a tourist destination and the growing demand for travel between the two countries were also highlighted during the discussions. According to Seychelles News Agency, this development reflects the strengthening economic and tourism ties between India and Seychelles.
