The Defence and Security Committee met on Monday, 5 January 2026, to consider a recommendation for the appointment of a new Director General of the Seychelles Intelligence Service.
Mrs Audrey Vidot chaired the meeting, which followed a formal notice to all committee members.
The Vice-Chairperson, Mr Wilbert Herminie, attended alongside Mr Jean Toussaint and Mrs Nelsia Balisa-Lepathy.
Committee clerks Florette Monaie and Gillian Samson provided administrative support.
The review followed a request from President Patrick Herminie, made under Section 6(1) and (2) of the Seychelles Intelligence Agency Act, 2018. The request asked the committee to examine the nomination of Mr Sabry Khan.
During the session, members placed their views on record. They reviewed Mr Khan’s professional experience, legal background and academic training. In addition, they considered his competence in defence, security and intelligence. They also reviewed his national and international affiliations in the sector.
The committee said it will prepare an official response. It will submit the document to the Office of the Speaker, before it is forwarded to the Office of the President.
To recall, at the end of December 2025, Mr Sabry Khan was sworn in as Director General of the Seychelles Intelligence Service. One day later, the Office of the President announced that his appointment had been temporarily withdrawn.
The decision followed comments by Opposition Leader Bernard Georges, who raised concerns about due process. He said the appointment did not comply with provisions of the Seychelles Intelligence Service Act.
In a statement issued by State House, the Office of the President said the decision reflected the President’s commitment to transparency. It also cited constitutional governance and parliamentary oversight. It added that the appointment of Mr Khan had therefore been temporarily withdrawn.