Justice of Appeal Samia André has been sworn in as a judge of the COMESA Court of Justice, the Judiciary of Seychelles has said.
She took the oath of office on Monday 4 May in Nairobi alongside eleven other judges. The court is mandated to interpret and uphold the COMESA Treaty.
In a statement, the Judiciary of Seychelles said the appointment marks a milestone for both Justice André and the institution.
Speaking at the ceremony, William Samoei Ruto said:
“These appointments carry great authority and consequence, and with such distinction comes an equally profound responsibility to uphold integrity, accountability, and service to the people.”
Justice André currently serves on the Court of Appeal. She was appointed to the role on 7 April 2022.
Her legal career spans more than two decades in public service. She began at the State Law Office in 1999, where she served as State Counsel and Senior State Counsel before becoming Registrar General.
In 2006, she was appointed Magistrate. She later became Senior Magistrate and presided over the Juvenile Court and the Rent Board.
In 2015, she was appointed Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Seychelles before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Justice André holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Mauritius. She completed her Bar Finals through the Council of Legal Education.
Justice André has undertaken professional training, including judicial bench skills at the National Judicial College in the United States.
She has specialised in Family Law, obtaining a postgraduate certificate, diploma and a Master of Laws in the field. Justice André is currently pursuing a PhD.
She has also served on several national boards and tribunals, including the Family Tribunal, Employment Advisory Board, Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, Seychelles National Youth Council, National Arts Council, National AIDS Council, and the Survey Board.