The Vice President of the Republic, Mr. Sebastian Pillay alongside relevant Ministers, and Member of the Emergency Cabinet Committee (ECC), convened a press conference yesterday to present a comprehensive update of measures undertaken over the past week in response to the ongoing Middle East crisis. The update follows deliberations of the ECC, chaired by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, which continues to meet regularly to assess developments and coordinate a whole-of-government response.
The Government has intensified a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to mitigate potential impacts, reaffirming its commitment to economic stability, national resilience, and the uninterrupted availability of essential goods and services. Guided by real-time intelligence and continuous monitoring, authorities are acting decisively to safeguard the country’s interests while ensuring Seychelles remains insulated from direct conflict.
The Vice President stated that the Government remains vigilant, closely tracking global and regional dynamics, and grounding its decisions in verified and up-to-date information. While foreign exchange levels remain stable, he urged individuals to exercise prudence in their spending. He emphasised that the overarching objective is to maintain economic stability and ensure that essential commodities remain readily available across the country, while calling on citizens to be part of the solution by acting responsibly during this period.
In the health sector, preparedness has been significantly reinforced. Comprehensive inventories of medicines and medical supplies have been completed across all healthcare facilities, confirming that approximately two months of stock is currently available. In addition, emergency procurement orders have been placed to secure critical supplies for a further four to six months. The Ministry of Health is also actively identifying alternative suppliers to strengthen supply chain resilience.
The aviation sector has experienced adjustments, with daily flight connections reduced from eleven to six. Despite this, efforts to maintain and enhance connectivity are well underway. A new route operated by Air Tanzania has been introduced, strengthening links within Africa and beyond. Furthermore, Air Seychelles is set to launch its Rome route on 27th March, and working to open up route to Turkey. These developments are part of ongoing engagements with international carriers to secure alternative connections. Importantly, there have been no cancellations in scheduled cruise ship arrivals to date.
Tourism authorities remain in constant communication with industry stakeholders to monitor operational shifts and sustain market confidence. The introduction of new airline routes is being actively promoted to ensure continued accessibility to Seychelles as a destination. A dedicated help desk has also been established to assist prospective visitors with bookings, providing real-time support and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a responsive and reliable destination.
In parallel, the Government is closely monitoring the construction sector to ensure stability in the supply of materials. Measures are being taken to prevent unjustified price increases, with strict oversight to deter opportunistic practices. At the same time, alternative sourcing markets are being explored to mitigate potential disruptions should global conditions deteriorate further.
Food security also remains a priority. Authorities are assessing alternative import routes, with the new Air Tanzania connection expected to facilitate trade flows, particularly in supporting local exports to European markets.
Across all sectors, the Government’s approach remains proactive, measured, and responsive. Seychelles continues to stand outside the conflict zone but remains fully engaged in protecting its economy and people from external shocks.
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