The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, today met with the National Unity Committee and its Technical Working Team at State House to finalise the proposed Bill establishing the successor entity to the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission.
In his opening remarks, President Herminie expressed sincere appreciation to the Chairperson of the National Unity Committee, former President Danny Faure, along with Bishop Danny Elizabeth, Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd and Dr. Odile de Comarmond, for their steadfast dedication to advancing national unity and sustaining the reconciliation process.
The President emphasised that this initiative reflects a shared national vision for Seychelles — one in which unity serves as a source of collective strength and justice is experienced as a lived reality for all citizens.
“On the day of my inauguration, […] I called on our people to unite further, as our small nation cannot afford the divisions of the past,” President Herminie stated.
The National Unity Committee serves as the principal oversight body mandated to promote and advocate for the implementation of the TRNUC recommendations. Its role is to bridge the divide between historical grievances and future cohesion by supporting the development of appropriate legal and institutional frameworks, including mechanisms for reparations.
President Herminie confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has secured SCR 20 million in the 2026 Budget, as announced during his recent State of the Nation Address, to support the implementation of these commitments. In addition to establishing the National Unity Commission, the proposed Bill provides for the creation of a Reparations Trust Fund, which will be formally operationalised upon enactment of the legislation.
The National Unity Committee has engaged both the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly to encourage broad-based and unified parliamentary support for this important national initiative.
Following passage of the Bill, a transparent case by case process will be initiated for the nomination and appointment of Commissioners to the new body.
The President also commended the Technical Working Team, particularly Mrs. Nichole Tirant-Gherardi, for her leadership in crafting a comprehensive and robust legal framework for the successor entity.
Following the meeting, an Extraordinary Cabinet Meeting was convened to consider the proposed legislation prior to being tabled before the National Assembly.
Within four months of assuming office, President Herminie has honored his commitment to advance the national reconciliation process by formalising the successor framework to the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission, giving renewed life to a process initiated eight years ago and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to truth, justice and healing.
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