High-level CISSA delegation calls on Speaker of the National Assembly |22 June 2023

The Seychelles delegation in a souvenir photograph with some members of the Cissa delegation

A high-level delegation from the Community of Intelligence and Security Service of Africa (CISSA) last Friday paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne.

The delegation comprised the chairperson of CISSA and director general of the Directorate of Intelligence & Security Services (DISS) of the Republic of Botswana, Brigadier (Rtd) Peter Magosi; the director of the DG’s Office, Dr Peter O. PETER; the executive secretary of CISSA, Ambassador Zainab Ali Kotoko; principal researcher and analyst, Faustina Emilia Neto; the director general of the Seychelles Intelligence Service (SIS), Benediste Hoareau; and the acting head of External Affairs, Leah Samsoodin.

Hon. Mancienne was accompanied by the vice-chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee, Hon. François Adelaide.

The meeting began with a brief on the mandate and operations of CISSA, being that it is an organisation established in 2004 which was created due to the necessity for improved information-sharing and borderless cooperation across Africa.

The mandate of CISSA is to provide the African Union Commission with “timely and insightful intelligence” in order to deal with common threats such as terrorism, piracy, and socioeconomic unrest.

This brief concluded with a note that challenges are present on both the continent and to island states such as the Seychelles, and as such this visit presented the opportunity to create capacity building measures and a strategic relationship with CISSA.

Hon. Mancienne thanked the delegation for their visit and noted that the world is facing new threats every day especially with the increase in technology and interconnectedness.

He remarked that CISSA’s dedication to information gathering, and the identification of security threats was notable and recognised the importance of such a service to the continent.

An honourable mention was given to the work of the National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee (DSC) in helping to further the security and intelligence work done in Seychelles.

Hon. Adelaide, on behalf of DSC, noted that he was looking forward to networking and capacity-building with CISSA, and thanked them for presenting the opportunity to collaborate and improve the level of safety and defense in Seychelles, especially maritime security.

Hon. Mancienne wished CISSA all the best as an organisation and noted that he looks forward to future collaboration.

Press release from the National Assembly secretariat