VICTORIA, Seychelles — The National Unity Committee held a high-level consultative meeting on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at the National Assembly, formally briefing parliamentary leadership on the committee’s strategic direction, terms of reference, and specific mandate following its appointment by the President of the Republic in December last year. The delegation was led by the committee’s chairperson and former President, Danny Faure, accompanied by fellow committee members Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd and Dr Odile De Comarmond.
The engagement carries significant weight for all Seychellois, as the National Unity Committee represents a formal government initiative to bridge political divides and promote national cohesion at the highest level of public discourse. By consulting directly with both sides of the political aisle, the committee signals that its work will be guided by inclusivity and transparency rather than partisan interests, offering ordinary citizens the prospect of a more unified national conversation.
The delegation was received by the leader of government business, Honourable Sylvanne Lemiel, and the leader of the opposition, Honourable Bernard Georges. The discussions covered three principal areas: the committee’s scope in fostering national cohesion and reconciliation; legislative cooperation, specifically the establishment of a transparent channel for dialogue between the committee and the National Assembly; and a collaborative framework to align the committee’s efforts with the broader interests of all Seychellois citizens. Chairperson Danny Faure described the exchange as both frank and very constructive, emphasising that the engagement with both leaders is a vital step in ensuring the committee’s work remains inclusive, transparent, and grounded in the spirit of national unity.
The National Unity Committee was appointed by President Patrick Herminie in December 2025 following his first State of the Nation Address to the National Assembly. President Herminie’s address identified national unity, anti-corruption, the cost of living, housing, support for youth, and education as key government priorities. The establishment of a dedicated committee reflects the administration’s commitment to translating stated political priorities into structured, inclusive processes involving all stakeholders.
The committee is expected to continue its consultations with stakeholders across Seychellois society in the weeks ahead, building a broad base of engagement before formally presenting its findings and recommendations. The formal briefing of parliamentary leaders is understood to be an essential prerequisite for any legislative steps that may be required to support the committee’s work. Further public communications from the National Unity Committee are anticipated as it moves from the consultative phase into active programme delivery.
The National Unity Committee’s successful first engagement with both government and opposition leadership marks a constructive early step in Seychelles’ formal pursuit of national reconciliation.
