Upholding the principles of the rule of law, alongside the separation of powers and judicial independence, featured prominently in discussions as a delegation of 11 Chief Justices from across Southern and Eastern Africa paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of Seychelles, Mr Sebastien Pillay on Thursday at State House.

The delegation is in Seychelles to attend the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices’ Leadership Forum, taking place from 22 to 24 April.

Held under the theme Judicial Leadership and Innovation, the forum brings together senior judicial leaders to explore how innovation and technology can strengthen the delivery of justice across the region, while fostering exchange, practical insight, and stronger peer connections.

Vice President Pillay welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of upholding the separation of powers and safeguarding judicial independence.

“We work in close partnership with the judiciary, guided by the Constitution of Seychelles, which enshrines the separation of powers and judicial independence. Our engagement remains constructive and firmly respectful of these principles,” said the Vice President.

He added that, “we have achieved important milestones in strengthening the relationship between the government and the judiciary, including key infrastructure developments. This engagement has also played a valuable role in enhancing the exchange of best practices.”

In his remarks, Chief Justice Rony Govinden, stated that the deliberations and training sessions had strengthened regional judicial cooperation and enhanced leadership and court management capacities, while reinforcing a shared commitment to judicial independence, access to justice, and institutional reform. “We depart, encouraged by the exchange of best practices and the renewed networks of support,” he said.

Chief Justice Govinden also conveyed appreciation to the government of Seychelles for its support in hosting the forum and expressed confidence in continued engagement to translate its outcomes into practical reforms that benefit citizens and strengthen the rule of law across the region.

Engaging with the press after the courtesy call, he noted that the conference had successfully concluded, comprising two main components: namely the meeting of the Management Executive Committee and a dedicated training segment.

He explained that the delegation deemed it important to engage the Executive to share reflections on the conference deliberations and to express their overall satisfaction with the outcomes. He further emphasised that the rule of law remains a fundamental pillar across all participating jurisdictions and is firmly embedded within their respective constitutions.

In this regard, he reaffirmed the collective commitment of the Chief Justices to uphold and safeguard this principle. Chief Justice Govinden added that the Vice President gave assurances that the principle of separation of powers among the branches of government will continue to be respected. He further underscored the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the branches, outside the context of judicial proceedings, particularly in areas such as ensuring adequate resources for the effective functioning of the judiciary.

Sangwani Nyimbiri, Coordinator of the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices’ Forum, praised Seychelles on its warm hospitality, noting that the forum continues to serve as a vital platform for peer learning and collaboration, enabling judiciaries across the region to collectively respond to emerging challenges and strengthen the administration of justice.