VICTORIA, Seychelles — A large crowd of supporters of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) party gathered outside the gates of State House on Saturday afternoon to bid farewell to outgoing President Wavel Ramkalawan, who ended his mandate as Seychelles’ fifth President on October 25, 2025. Mr Ramkalawan, who took office as the fifth President on October 26, 2020, served a five-year term, which he described as an honour and a privilege.
Before he left State House, Mr Ramkalawan, accompanied by his wife Linda Ramkalawan, received visiting ministers, including the Vice President Ahmed Afif, for a final farewell. He expressed his gratitude to the national guards, who honoured his departure, and to the assembled crowd, who thanked him with emotion, chants and the party’s slogans and anthem.
In his remarks, Mr Ramkalawan said the past five years had been both a privilege and a duty. He thanked Seychellois for giving him the opportunity to serve and to lead, and reflected on the responsibility of the presidency. He noted that those who serve in the highest office must remember that the role is not about personal ambition but about delivering for the people and the country.
Mr Ramkalawan also addressed the members of the press, expressing his appreciation for the coverage given to his administration and his leadership, and congratulated Dr Patrick Herminie, the President-elect of United Seychelles, who took the oath of office on October 26. Mr Ramkalawan left State House for the last time to the applause of his supporters.
