Seychelles News Agency Officially Resumes Operations After Reorganisation
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles News Agency resumes operations as the online media platform officially restarted on Monday, January 26, 2026, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national information services and ensure timely, reliable access to public information. Vice-President Sebastien Pillay inaugurated the agency’s newly redesigned website during a ceremony held at State House on Monday.
The reopening of the Seychelles News Agency matters significantly for ordinary Seychellois who rely on accurate and timely news about national developments, government programmes, and public affairs. A well-functioning national news agency provides citizens with verified information, strengthens democratic accountability, and enhances transparency between the state and the public.
The Department of Information has appointed former chief editor Rassin Vannier and editor Betymie Bonnelame to lead the agency’s reconstruction over the coming six months. This period will focus on rebuilding institutional capacity, governance structures, and editorial operations ahead of full resumption. Vice-President Pillay said the reopening reflects President Patrick Herminie’s commitment to transparency, effective communication, and public engagement. He noted that the new platform was handed over by M3 Communications, which has been developing and supporting the site for the past 14 years.
The Seychelles News Agency was first established in April 1987 and ceased operations on December 14, 2024. Its closure was met with concern from members of the global media fraternity. The upgraded website is expected to significantly improve accessibility, enhance content delivery, and provide a modern, user-friendly interface designed to cater to a wide audience, including local readers, regional partners, international media, and members of the Seychelles diaspora seeking accurate information about developments in the country.
The first news item reported by the agency was the President’s State of the Nation Address delivered yesterday evening. The government has set aside resources in the 2025-2029 budget to begin compensating previous victims of the agency’s closure. President Herminie has personally expressed interest in ensuring that all technical applications implemented will make the Seychelles News Agency one of the best in Africa.
The relaunch of the Seychelles News Agency represents a reaffirmation of the government’s duty to keep citizens informed and engaged with developments that shape their daily lives.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
