Illegal firearms imports in Seychelles are the focus of a newly established Board of Inquiry, sworn in by the President to investigate unrecorded weapons and related security concerns.
The ceremony took place on Monday, 19 January 2026. The President established the Board on 31 December 2025 in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
The inquiry is chaired by Duncan Gaswaga. Mrs Nissa Thomson, Mr Justin Dogley and Mr Edward Annacoura serve as members.
The chairperson and members took their oaths and signed official documents during the ceremony. The Vice-President, Sebastien Pillay, and State House officials were present.
The Board will examine the importation of firearms and ammunition that were not officially recorded. It will identify who authorised and financed the imports.
The Board will also assess how the weapons were stored. This includes whether unregistered storage sites were used, who approved them, who knew about them and whether any such locations still exist.
In addition, the inquiry will examine the involvement of foreign mercenaries or former foreign military personnel during Operation Black Iron. This includes their recruitment, access to firearms and who authorised and supervised their activities.
The Board will also assess whether foreign private contractors exercised arrest, search or seizure powers. It will consider any related matters needed to provide a full account to the Commander-in-Chief.
The Board must submit its final report, including findings and recommendations, within six months of its establishment. The deadline for submission is 30 June 2026.
After the ceremony, President Herminie said intelligence reports indicated that some individuals were in possession of illegal firearms. The President said such activity is not permitted under the rule of law.
He clarified that firearms-related matters do not fall under the mandate of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles, but under the responsibility of the Attorney General’s Office.
President Herminie said investigators are acting in accordance with the law and under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.
He said the investigation aims to establish the facts and ensure transparency.
President Herminie added that authorities will take action to remove illegal firearms from the country. He also said an amnesty will be granted once the investigation is completed, allowing illegal firearms to be returned without prosecution.
Seychelles law classifies the possession of illegal firearms as a criminal offence under the Firearms and Ammunition Act of 1973. The revised Bill No. 29 of 2021 provides for penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to one million rupees.