Former Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has issued a statement raising concerns over changes to his personal security. He also addressed the removal of an official vehicle assigned to him as a former head of state.
Mr Ramkalawan said he was dismayed by claims portraying him as a security risk to President Patrick Herminie and to the country. He rejected the allegation, calling it unfounded and unacceptable.
Former President Ramkalawan recalled events on election night. Mr Ramkalawan said that before official results were announced, he contacted the Chief of Defence Forces, Michael Rosette as well as the Commissioner of Police, Ted Barbe. Mr Ramkalawan said he urged them to work with President Herminie’s office to ensure the incoming president received armed protection. He said the move reflected responsible conduct and respect for constitutional practice.
Against that background, he said he was troubled by actions taken against his own security detail. He said firearms assigned to his bodyguards were withdrawn without consultation. He added that one officer was summoned to Seychelles Defence Forces headquarters over a harassment allegation, which he said was found to be false. Despite this, the officer was removed from bodyguard duties and transferred to the Coast Guard.
Mr Ramkalawan questioned the rationale of the decision. Former President Ramkalawan said the officer was removed from a protective role after his firearm was confiscated, only to be redeployed in a military unit where he would be issued an automatic weapon. He also said attempts were being made to assign him a bodyguard without consultation or consent. He said he rejected the move and that no discussions had taken place.
The former president also raised concerns over the removal of the S6 vehicle allocated to him. He said the vehicle, with less than 5,000 kilometres recorded, was taken without notice for an inspection. He said it has not been returned and that no explanation has been provided.
Mr Ramkalawan said he had never been a threat to national security and had no intention of destabilising the country. He warned that the actions risked deepening division and mistrust. Mr Ramkalawan called for restraint, transparency and respect for the rule of law, adding that Seychelles’ stability depended on unity and fairness.
He said he would keep the public informed of further developments.