Protest against Assumption island deal continues |19 February 2018

A group of around 30 concerned citizens held a second protest in Victoria against the construction of a naval base on Seychelles’ Assumption Island.

The protest, which lasted from 9.30am to 12 noon, comes after Seychelles and India signed a revised agreement two weeks ago allowing for the construction of military infrastructure on Assumption Island.

The agreement was signed for the second time after revisions were made to the previous one. In the revised agreement, the main aim is to provide a framework for assistance to Seychelles by India.

Such project is supposed to enhance the military capabilities in control and maritime surveillance of the island nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

A patriot Terry Sandapin told Seychelles NATION that the government needs to listen to the Seychellois and that the details of such a significant project have never been made public.

“We want the government of Seychelles to start listening to our voices; some politicians have started to engage in such controversial subject that is currently affecting Seychelles. They have to come up with a solution during the National Assembly sessions to resolve such issue. Even people on social media have also voice out their concerns. We can’t and won’t give our most precious island to India,” he said.

The group protested peacefully in the centre of Victoria, close to the clock tower, with banners carrying such slogans as: ‘Hands off Assumption’, ‘Assumption Island for Seychelles, not India’, among others.