Maarco Francis, Leader of the Seychelles United Movement and former presidential candidate in the last election, has expressed support for strengthening the Seychelles Coast Guard while raising concerns about the scale of proposed development on Assomption Island.
Mr Francis said protecting the country’s waters and sovereignty is important. However, he stressed there is a clear difference between building a national Coast Guard base and constructing a facility capable of hosting large international vessels, including foreign military ships. “There is a big difference between building a national Coast Guard base and constructing a facility where large international vessels can dock and use it as a refuelling base,” he said.
He warned that such development would require major fuel storage, expanded infrastructure, and waste management systems. According to Mr Francis, these requirements could pose environmental risks to the Aldabra Group and its fragile marine ecosystems. “Oil spills, chemical leaks, and waste discharge could cause irreversible damage,” he said.
Mr Francis also questioned whether environmental limits would be exceeded. He referred to a previous Environmental Impact Assessment for a hotel project, which stated that a maximum of 500 workers should be present on the island at any time. He asked how many additional personnel authorities will station there if both a hotel and a Coast Guard facility proceed. “Will this exceed the environmental limits already identified?” he asked.
Furthermore, he highlighted the long-term consequences of environmental harm. “Once our environment is destroyed, there is no way to recover it,” Mr Francis said. He called for clarity on national priorities and urged authorities to be transparent. “If the policy direction is to prioritise security and money over environmental protection, then be honest with the people and say so clearly,” he said.
Mr Francis described Assomption Island as a national treasure. He said any development must be transparent, responsible, and supported by a proper Environmental Impact Assessment.