An independent Commission of Inquiry into the Montagne Posée Prison incident, established to determine accountability and report within six months of its first sitting, was this morning sworn in by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie.
The ceremony, held at State House, was attended by the Vice President, Mr Sebastien Pillay, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Jeniffer Vel, invited guests, and members of the press.
The Commission is chaired by Honourable Justice Alfred Mavedzenge, with Mr Melchior Vidot and Mr Vic Tirant appointed as Members. The Chairperson and Members took the oath and formally assumed their duties.
Established under the Commission of Inquiry Act, through an instrument signed and sealed by the President on 23 March 2026, the Commission has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation into the incident that occurred between 6 and 7 December 2024 at Montagne Posée Prison.
The inquiry will seek to establish the facts and chronology of events, determine whether a riot, disturbance or planned action occurred, and examine the causes and contributing factors, including any grievances raised by prisoners.
It will further investigate the response of the Prison Authorities, the Seychelles Police Force (SPF), and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), including whether the actions taken were reasonable, necessary and proportionate. The Commission will also establish the chain of command and identify individuals responsible for decisions taken at each stage of the incident.
Particular attention will be given to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two prisoners, Francis Ernesta and Jerry Mathiot, as well as the injuries sustained by others. The Commission will examine the use of force, including weapons, ammunition and non-lethal measures, and assess whether any violations of human rights or breaches of law may have occurred.
In addition, the Commission will review existing protocols, rules of engagement and training frameworks for managing serious disturbances in custodial facilities and make recommendations where necessary.
The Commission has been vested with full powers under the Commission of Inquiry Act, including the authority to summon witnesses, require the production of documents, and receive evidence under oath. While proceedings will generally be conducted in public, certain sessions may be held in camera where required, including on grounds of national security or the protection of witnesses.
Speaking to the press on behalf of the Commission, Chairperson Honourable Justice Alfred Mavedzenge stated that the work of the Commission will be guided by clear terms of reference and a commitment to impartiality, fairness and transparency.
He noted that while the Commission is mandated to submit its final report within six months from its first sitting, its approach will remain responsive to the nature and complexity of the issues encountered.
Justice Mavedzenge further indicated that certain aspects of the inquiry may require confidentiality, particularly in matters relating to national security or other sensitive considerations, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
The Commission has commenced its preparatory work, including the identification of categories of witnesses and the development of procedures to guide its engagement. Further communication will be issued in due course regarding the individuals and entities to be called before the inquiry.
A separate Commission of Inquiry into the CCCL incident is expected to be established next week, with Travizory, a digital travel authorization and border security system, also being considered in relation to a different Commission of Inquiry.
The government remains committed to ensuring that the process is conducted with integrity, transparency and full respect for the rule of law.
