French GIGN Closes Two-Week Counter-Terrorism Training for Seychelles Police
VICTORIA, Seychelles — A two-week intensive counter-terrorism training programme delivered by France’s GIGN (Groupement d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) was formally closed last week in a ceremony attended by senior Seychellois officials, including Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka, deputy commissioner of police Francis Songoire, assistant commissioner Ned Wirtz, chief of staff of the Defence Forces Brigadier General Michael Rosette, and members of the National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee.
Led by Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Michel of the GIGN, the training prepared 17 participants — including two women — to respond effectively to terrorist threats and manage crisis situations. Ahead of the certificate presentations, guests observed three simulated intervention scenarios: a hostage situation during an armed robbery, the defence of a VIP during an attempted car ramming at the Seychelles beach soccer stadium, and a hostage-taking during a meeting. The demonstrations highlighted the new capabilities of the Quick Reaction Team members, who faced tactical surprises in varied environments.
Lieutenant-Commander Thimothée Sevaistre of the French Armed Forces, representing the French Ambassador, said the demonstrations marked the outcome of two weeks of training and the new skills developed. The training forms part of France’s support for the development of Seychelles police capabilities, with the aim of building a sustainable security partnership. Minister Fonseka thanked France for its collaboration and the intensity of the training, telling participants: ‘In this world full of crimes and threats, the essence of this training is to adapt you to unexpected situations. You have your principles, but it is also essential to keep a flexible mentality. You have received quality training — keep pushing. Be unconventional.’
