This morning, the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, officiated the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairperson and Members of the Board of Inquiry into the Importation of Firearms. The Board of Inquiry was established on 31st December 2025 by the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
The Board is chaired by Honourable Justice Duncan Gaswaga, with Mrs. Nissa Thomson, Mr. Justin Dogley, and Mr. Edward Annacoura appointed as Members.
Justice Duncan Gaswaga and the Members of the Board took the oath and signed the official documents formalising their appointments during the ceremony, held in the presence of the Vice President, Mr. Sebastien Pillay, State House officials, and members of the press.
The Board of Inquiry has been tasked with examining the importation of firearms and ammunition that were not officially recorded, including who authorised these imports and who financed them. It will also look into how such firearms and ammunition were stored, whether unregistered storage locations were used, who approved and knew about these sites, and whether any such locations still exist.
In addition, the Board will investigate the involvement of foreign mercenaries or former foreign military personnel during Operation Black Iron, including their recruitment, access to firearms, and who authorised and supervised their activities.
The inquiry will also assess whether foreign private contractors exercised arrest, search, or seizure powers, and consider any other related matters necessary to provide a full and accurate account to the Commander-in-Chief.
The Board of Inquiry is required to submit its final written report, including its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces within six months of its establishment, and no later than 30th June 2026.
Speaking to members of the press after the ceremony, President Herminie stated that intelligence reports indicate that certain individuals are in possession of illegal firearms. The President emphasized that under the rule of law, no one is permitted to engage in illegal activities involving firearms. The President further clarified that issues relating to firearms are not within the mandate of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS) but fall under the responsibility of the Attorney General’s Office.
He highlighted that investigation is being conducted in accordance with the law and under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, with the objective of establishing the facts and ensuring public transparency. He emphasised that the relevant authorities would take decisive action to rid the country of illegal firearms.
He added that once the investigation is concluded, an amnesty will be granted to individuals in illegal possession of firearms, allowing them to return the weapons without facing prosecution.
In Seychelles, the possession of illegal firearms is a serious criminal offence, primarily regulated under the Firearms and Ammunition Act (1973) section 4(2). In accordance with the revised Bill No. 29 of 2021, any person found in possession of a firearm or ammunition in contravention of the laws of Seychelles is liable to a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of up to one million rupees.