The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly has raised concerns over the appointment of Sabry Khan as head of the Seychelles Intelligence Services.
In a statement issued on Monday, the opposition leader said he had learned, along with the public, that Mr Khan had taken his oath as head of the service.
He said it was understood that Mr Khan had been appointed Director General by President Patrick Herminie before taking the oath. However, he stated that if this was the case, the appointment did not follow the procedure set out in law.
According to the statement, Section 6(1) of the Seychelles Intelligence Service Act 2019 requires the President to consult the Defence and Security Committee. This consultation must take place before making such an appointment.
“The provision in section 6(1) is there for a good reason,” the opposition leader said. “It is to ensure that the person appointed to the post has the support of the branch of government. This branch represents the people through its elected members.”
He added that bypassing this process would undermine the law. Furthermore, it would weaken the constitutional balance of power between the executive and the legislature.
The opposition leader has called on the President to review the appointment. He urged the President to proceed in line with the legal requirements.