President Herminie Strengthens Judicial and Parliamentary Ties on Mauritius Visit
VICTORIA, Seychelles — President Patrick Herminie strengthened Seychelles’ ties with Mauritius during a state visit that included a courtesy call from Chief Justice Rehana Bibi Mungly-Gulbul and a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra on Friday March 13, 2026, with discussions covering judicial cooperation, the role of the rule of law in democratic governance, and Mauritius’ initiative to introduce Mauritian Creole as a language of parliamentary debate, an approach inspired partly by Seychelles’ own parliamentary practice. The visits formed a significant part of the state visit agenda and reinforced the longstanding institutional relationship between the two Indian Ocean island nations.
The strengthening of judicial and legislative links between Seychelles and Mauritius carries practical importance for ordinary Seychellois, as the two countries share legal traditions, judicial personnel, and a common interest in maintaining robust and independent institutions that underpin governance, commercial law, and citizens’ rights. A more formalised framework for cooperation between the two judicial systems could provide Seychelles with access to broader legal expertise while deepening the bilateral relationship at an institutional level.
During the meeting with Chief Justice Mungly-Gulbul, President Herminie expressed appreciation for Mauritius’ longstanding support in training and developing legal professionals from Seychelles, noting the important contribution this partnership has made to strengthening the country’s legal and judicial capacity. Both sides reflected on the close professional links between the two judicial systems, including the presence of a Seychellois-born judge practising in Mauritius and a Mauritian-born judge serving on the Seychelles Court of Appeal, described as a testament to the strength of shared legal cooperation and traditions. Chief Justice Mungly-Gulbul also informed President Herminie that she has been invited to participate in the East African Judges Forum 2026, scheduled to take place in Seychelles from March 21 to 25.
In his meeting with Speaker Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, President Herminie, who previously served as Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, reflected on his experience in parliamentary leadership and welcomed continued dialogue between the two legislatures. The Speaker briefed President Herminie on Mauritius’ initiative to allow parliamentary debates to be conducted in Mauritian Creole so that proceedings can be more easily understood by the wider public, noting that implementing this proposal would require constitutional amendments and revisions to the National Assembly’s Standing Orders. Speaker Aumeeruddy-Cziffra also commended Seychelles for its high representation of women in the National Assembly and for the significant leadership roles women occupy across government.
During the state visit, President Herminie also boarded the SDF vessel Andromache to meet with the Seychelles Defence Force contingent that represented the nation in the military parade marking Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, commending the officers and crew, including two female service members, for their discipline, professionalism, and the pride with which they carried the Seychellois flag. He reaffirmed the government’s continued support for the SDF and emphasised the important role the defence force plays in safeguarding sovereignty, strengthening maritime security, and contributing to regional cooperation among Indian Ocean partners.
The Mauritius state visit marked a productive round of high-level diplomacy, reinforcing Seychelles’ commitment to deepening institutional cooperation with its closest Indian Ocean neighbour across the judiciary, legislature, and defence sectors.
