For the first time in Seychelles history, a former president has been subject to a police search, according to statements from officials and the individual involved.
The airport search took place on the morning of 13 April 2026 at the Seychelles International Airport VIP lounge. Commissioner of Police Godfra Hermitte confirmed that officers carried out the search based on information received.
“Yes, a search was conducted on the former president when he arrived in the country. This work was based on information we received. We need to understand that no one is above the law; everyone operates under the law of the country. If it took place, it was not done for the pleasure of searching the former president, but as a duty carried out in relation to the information we received.” Hermitte said.
However, the commissioner did not specify the nature of that information during a press conference at State House.
Former president Wavel Ramkalawan said he arrived in Seychelles at about 07:00 on flight EK705 from Dubai. He said he travelled on a diplomatic passport after attending the RenewPAC conference in Morocco.
“It was on this diplomatic passport that I travelled to Morocco to assist the RenewPAC conference that has been reported on,” he said.
Mr Ramkalawan said that while he was waiting for his luggage in the VIP lounge, several officers approached him. He said an officer, identified as ASP Anacoura, informed him that his luggage would be searched on suspicion of drugs.
“When I asked them if they found any drugs in my luggage, they said no, there are no drugs and then they asked me to do a body search,” he said.
He added that an officer of Nepali origin carried out the body search. He said officers later told him he could leave and then moved to search his aide-de-camp, Captain Anille Bristol.
Mr Ramkalawan said he felt targeted.
“Definitely this was a malicious intent and it is the first time that a former president is searched in that way, but for me it is the second time,” he said.
Police have not released further details regarding the reported detention of Captain Anille Bristol.
Further information is expected as the matter develops.