VICTORIA, Seychelles The Commission of Inquiry into the December 2024 Montagne Posée prison riot heard testimony from Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette and former Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe, addressing critical questions about chain of command, accountability and operational decisions during the deadly disturbance.
Major General Rosette admitted that things did not work as they should have during the prison intervention, which left two inmates dead and several others injured. The commission is investigating the unrest of December 5–6, 2024, including allegations of serious assaults and brutality by security forces.
Testimony revealed tensions regarding the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 2024, which expanded military powers to work alongside police. Major General Rosette noted that before the amendment, the Seychelles Defence Forces already carried out policing duties at sea and on outer islands, but defence lawyers often challenged these actions in court.
A major revelation concerned a special unit operating from State House, which did not take orders from Defence Headquarters. Major General Rosette explained this mixed military-police unit reported ultimately to the Commander in Chief. He admitted concerns about accountability and manpower, stating that he remained responsible for operations despite limited control.
Commissioner Barbe testified that it was Commissioner of Prisons Janet Georges who first alerted him to the riot, requesting assistance after prison guards were detained by inmates. He instructed Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire to lead the police operation, supported by senior officers including Assistant Commissioners Ned Wirtz and Antoine Desnousse.
The Commission continues examining testimonies of senior officials to establish accountability for the Montagne Posée prison riot, the deaths of two inmates and allegations of brutality during the State House-ordered intervention.