President Patrick Herminie has announced a sweeping reorganisation of top civil service positions, appointing new principal secretaries across key departments in a move designed to streamline leadership and enhance coordination within the government. The changes, effective from April 1, 2026, see Fatime Kanté moving from her role as principal secretary for Youth and Sports to take the helm at the Department of Public Administration (DPA).
This reshuffle follows the recent establishment of the new Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs and Civil Service position, currently held by Margaret Moumou. The presidential office stated the changes are part of ongoing efforts to refine governance structures and improve service delivery. Simultaneously, Marc Arissol, the chief executive of the National Sports Council, steps up to become principal secretary for Youth and Sports. The appointment for his previous role at the council will be announced promptly.
In a parallel shift with significant implications for higher education, Shella Mohideen, the former chief secretary, departs the civil service to become Dean at the University of Seychelles (UniSey). The President expressed confidence that Ms Mohideen’s extensive experience in tertiary education and training will bolster the university’s ongoing review and strengthening initiatives. President Herminie acknowledged the dedicated service of all appointees in their previous roles and extended his best wishes for their new responsibilities.
Analysts view this coordinated shuffle as more than routine personnel changes. Placing a seasoned administrator like Fatime Kanté at the DPA suggests a focus on modernising public administration frameworks, while moving a sports council insider like Marc Arissol into the Youth and Sports portfolio indicates a desire for sector-specific expertise at the policy level. The recruitment of a senior civil servant like Shella Mohideen into academia underscores the government’s intent to strengthen ties between national policy and tertiary education, potentially aligning UniSey’s output more closely with public sector needs.
For a civil service often scrutinised for its efficiency, these strategic placements aim to inject fresh impetus and specialised leadership at a critical juncture, setting the stage for a more agile and coordinated government machinery in the years ahead.
