VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Leader of the Opposition LOTO in the National Assembly, Hon. Bernard Georges, has voiced serious concerns about the recently established board of inquiry into the importation of firearms, warning that it risks undermining the judicial process and weakening State institutions. The comments come as the inquiry, established under Statutory Instrument S.I. 136 of 2025, begins its work.
The concerns raised by the opposition are significant for ordinary Seychellois as they touch upon fundamental principles of judicial fairness and the separation of powers. The board of inquiry was appointed to investigate matters that are currently subject to a criminal trial before the Supreme Court. Hon. Georges cautioned that running a board of inquiry parallel to a criminal trial could cause delays and compromise judicial fairness, potentially affecting public confidence in the justice system.
The Statutory Instrument establishes a Board of Inquiry to investigate the importation of firearms and ammunition into Seychelles from 2000 to the present, including weapons allegedly stored in off-books armouries. It also mandates an inquiry into Operation Black Iron, conducted between October and December 2024, during which foreign contractors participated in search and seizure operations. The board is chaired by Justice Duncan Gaswaga, alongside Nissa Thompson, Justin Dogley, and Edward Annacoura.
Under the regulations, all proceedings are to be held in camera, with the final report due to the Commander-in-Chief by June 30, 2026. Hon. Georges questioned its timing, composition, and language, warning that its appointment at this moment raises serious concerns. A key issue raised is that some matters under investigation are currently before the Supreme Court, while Mrs Thompson served in the Attorney-General’s Chambers when the case was instituted.
Hon. Georges called on President Dr Patrick Herminie to reconsider the appointment of the board, stressing that the President must stay above the workings of the Judiciary. Concerns were also expressed about transparency, given that the inquiry will not have any public proceedings. The opposition leader urged both the President and board members to revisit the inquiry as currently constituted to protect institutional integrity.
The outcome could set important precedents for how parallel investigations are conducted alongside criminal proceedings.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
