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The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, this morning received the final report of the Board of Inquiry on the Importation of Firearms at State House. The report was presented by the Chairperson of the Board, Honourable Justice Duncan Gaswaga.

Also present were the Members of the Board, Mrs. Nissa Thomson, Mr. Justin Dogley and Mr. Edward Annacoura; the Secretary to the Board, Ms. Kyra Arnephy; and the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Ms. Jenifer Vel.

The Board was established on 31 December 2025 by President Herminie, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, under the Defence (Board of Inquiry on Importation of Firearms) Regulations, 2025 (S.I. 103 of 2025). Its members were sworn in at State House on 19 January 2026. All proceedings of the Board were held in camera.

The inquiry examined who authorised and financed these importations, how the firearms and ammunition were stored, and whether any unregistered armouries remain in existence.

Speaking to members of the press after the handover, Justice Gaswaga shared some of the recommendations contained in the report. He said that, if fully read, internalised and implemented, the recommendations would bring significant change to how things are done, including in matters of national security.

The recommendations address how operations involving the armed forces should be conducted, and how arms are issued and used, with clear procedures to be put in place for such operations. They also set out general standards for officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Police who carry weapons.

The Board further recommended that the country develop a modern armoury, together with proper systems governing how weapons are stored, moved, regulated and disposed of.

In receiving the report, President Herminie thanked the Chairperson and Members of the Board for their work. The President will now study the report and its recommendations in detail. A decision on whether the report will be made public will be taken in due course.In receiving the report, President Herminie thanked the Chairperson and Members of the Board for their work. The President, following a thorough review of the report and its recommendations