Interview with Former President France Albert-'I felt it was my duty to liberate my people from colonialism' |28 June 2006

Former President France Albert Rene was the main architect of Seychelles' independence. He founded the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP), now the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), in 1964 and started the struggle for independence.

The main other political party at the time, the Seychelles Democratic Party (DP) of former President James Mancham, was for 'closer links' with Britain. The two parties had to form a coalition for Independence in 1976.

Seychelles Nation put the following questions to Mr Rene to obtain his recollections of events leading to Independence 30 years ago. Mr Rene was President of Seychelles from 1977 to 2004.

Seychelles Nation:  Mr Rene, if we go back a little bit into history, do you remember exactly when your desire to liberate Seychelles from colonialism started?

France Albert Rene: After my law studies I came back to Seychelles and practiced as a lawyer for three years (1958-1961). It was during this period that I realized that the Seychellois people were living in atrocious conditions. Most of the people were existing on bare necessities, in a society where very few were benefiting and the rest – over 90% – were extremely poor.
By 1961 I was convinced that the only way the country could change was to achieve independence from the colonial power. It was then that I went back to Europe to study economics. I felt it was my duty and perhaps my vocation to liberate my people from colonialism in order to be in a position to establish a different social and economic system which would benefit everyone.

S. N.: Even today it is difficult to believe that someone like you at that time – without money, without a political party, not very well known among the ordinary Seychellois, who could have had a brilliant future as a young lawyer, and aware that you would face hostility from the privilege class – decided to engage in the struggle for independence.
What motivated you and what made you believe the Seychellois people would follow you?

F.A.R.: It is difficult for me to say what motivated me. All I can say today is that I felt that if I did not do anything I would be a total failure as a human being. I was convinced that the people of Seychelles not only needed a change but wanted a change.

S. N.: What were your major obstacles, the most difficult moments of the struggle and did you at any moment feel discouraged or think of giving up?

F.A.R.: I knew that the few that made up the privileged minority would fight me in every way possible – and somehow that made me even more determined to carry on with the struggle. Soon others joined me and as more and more understood the purpose of our mission I felt that we had chosen the correct vision for the future.
I must admit that we met lots of obstacles on the way but I don’t think I ever thought of giving up.

S. N.: At what moment during the struggle did you say to yourself 'this is it, we are approaching victory, the people of Seychelles will get their independence'?

F.A.R.: It is difficult to say when exactly we were approaching victory. Gradually the people of Seychelles realized that we could never progress if we remained a colony.
I would say that I realized that we were approaching success in 1974 when the Opposition started to change its tune and abandoned the idea of becoming an integral part of Britain.

S. N.: Seychelles has now been independent for 30 years. Looking back at the difficulties the country has had to go through at times in its development, the personal sufferings that you had to endure during the struggle for independence, if you had to do it all over again, would do it. ?

F.A.R.: The answer is yes. I would do it again.

S. N.: Today, 30 years after June 29, 1976, has Seychelles become exactly the type of country and society you had in mind when you started the independence struggle?

F.A.R.: Seychelles has made tremendous strides in its development and today is perhaps the colony that has achieved most since its independence. We have some way yet to go but I know we will do it.