The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), Mr Danny Faure, formally presented copies of the revised Defence Policy to the SPDF during a handing over ceremony held at the Seychelles Defence Academy at Perseverance yesterday morning.
During the ceremony, the first copy was presented to the Chief of Defence Forces, Col. Clifford Roseline, followed by presentation to other members of the Defence Forces Council (DFC). The reviewed Defence Policy combines all former military guiding documents and will act as the main strategic instrument for the SPDF, through which the local forces are governed in today’s dynamic security environment.
Addressing the guests present, the Chief of Staff, Col. Michael Rosette, highlighted the importance of the county’s military forces, and its commitment to serving the best interest of Seychelles and its citizens. He also stressed on their diverse function and role as a modern military force capable of tackling global challenges and threats specific to small island developing states like Seychelles.
"The gambit of security not only covers the traditional external and internal threats but also modern-day challenges which directly threaten economic, energy and information security as well. Military forces of today are intertwined in every aspect of national security. Seychelles faces challenges which are unique because of its geographical location and distribution of landmass. While our vast Exclusive Economic Zone gives us economic opportunities, it also includes the challenges of piracy, illegal fishing and drug trafficking. We cannot afford to put our guard down against these modern day threats," said Colonel Rosette.
"We very much appreciate that the Defence Policy document has been personally handed over to the SPDF today by the Commander-in-Chief himself. President, thank you for taking the time. This document has been prepared keeping in mind the environmental realities that exist today. It has taken into consideration all conventional and non-conventional security threats affecting Seychelles directly and indirectly. It is not the policy of the military alone. It is part of the national effort in conjunction with Seychelles government and other government agencies dealing with security issues. It also gives a direction to equipping and training our defence forces," added Colonel Rosette.
The policy is an open document that will be made available to the public. It provides information on the role, functioning, and utility of the SPDF as well as the various national security challenges and how the military is designed to address them.