
Seychelles is enhancing its economic relationship with Russia, with Seychellois President Patrick Herminie inviting a Russian military contingent to the 50th independence anniversary celebrations in June, marking half a century of diplomatic relations. President Herminie met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow at the Grand Kremlin Palace last Wednesday. This meeting occurs as Russia maintains close ties with key allies and some African leaders amidst Western sanctions and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against President Putin. The Republic of Seychelles is looking to Russia to strengthen its commercial links. The discussions between President Herminie and President Putin covered several areas of cooperation, including fisheries, food security, agriculture, tourism, trade, transport, sports, and energy. A particular focus was placed on the fisheries sector, which is a cornerstone of the Seychellois economy, and on reducing import dependence through local agricultural development. Tourism was also a central topic, with Russia being a significant market for Seychelles. Negotiations are underway with Aeroflot to establish regular direct flights between the two countries. The talks also addressed setting up a maritime link to facilitate trade in perishable goods and strengthening sports cooperation, including athlete and coach training. In the energy sector, Seychelles aims to collaborate with Russia to develop renewable energy and decrease reliance on
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadThe Financial Crimes Commission FCC has reported significant progress in its operations, including the seizure of Rs 160 million in illicit assets and 26 arrests between December 10, 2025, and the end of March 2026. This initiative is part of preparations for the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group Evaluation in 2027. The FCC's second bulletin highlights its strategic focus on combating financial crimes, particularly drug trafficking, corruption, fraud, and money laundering, aligning with findings from the Mauritius Second Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment published in May 2025. Additionally, 608 vehicles valued at Rs 444.4 million, including cars, motorcycles, and pleasure boats, have been judicially seized from individuals involved in illicit activities since November 2024. These efforts are aimed at strengthening effectiveness, inter-agency coordination, and delivering measurable outcomes for Mauritius' Third Round Mutual Evaluation by ESAAMLG in 2027.
Must ReadExtreme heat events are pushing global agriculture to its limits, threatening the health and livelihoods of over a billion people, according to a report from the FAO and the World Meteorological Organization. This phenomenon, linked to human-induced climate change, already causes an annual loss of 500 billion hours of agricultural labor and jeopardizes global food security. Extreme heat refers to exceptionally high temperatures day and night, which are projected to double if global warming reaches +2°C above pre-industrial levels, and quadruple at +4°C. These events trigger cascading effects, including changes in humidity and solar radiation, torrential rains, and flash droughts. Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Climate Change Office at the FAO, highlighted that extreme heat acts as a risk multiplier, citing an example from Brazil where prolonged heat and drought led to Amazon fires and river drying, impacting the entire food system. The report notes that no agricultural sector is immune. For livestock, extreme heat can cause digestive and cardiovascular issues, reduce milk production, and lower protein content. Fish can suffer heart failure in waters with reduced oxygen due to high temperatures; in 2024, 91% of the global ocean experienced at least one heatwave, with half classified as "strong." Crop yields for most plants begin to decline above 30°C, and even lower for potatoes and barley. Other risks include pollinator disappearance, diseases, and food shortages, exacerbated
Must ReadPrime Minister Navin Ramgoolam revealed that the State Bank of Mauritius SBM wrote off Rs 14.3 billion in toxic loans between 2014 and 2024, averaging Rs 1.3 billion in losses annually. This figure is a tenfold increase compared to the Rs 1.12 billion in losses recorded from 2004 to 2013. The Prime Minister stated that this situation reflects a disregard for basic banking principles and a failure in asset monitoring, risk management, and internal controls, suggesting it was a deliberate act to deplete the bank's assets. He pledged that those responsible would not go unpunished. Among the significant loans mentioned, Rs 9 billion of the total Rs 14.3 billion in toxic loans were attributed to three foreign entities: NMC Healthcare, the Pabari group, and Renish Petrochem FZE, which received loans without sufficient or tangible guarantees. Another notable case was a Rs 1.4 billion loan to Dhyanavartam Ltd, operator of Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, including Rs 470 million granted in 2024 just before the general elections, despite the credit committee's disapproval. This decision was allegedly imposed by the then-Chief Executive Officer, Premchand Mungur, and is currently under investigation by the FCC. Ramgoolam highlighted that these loans severely impacted SBM Holdings' profits, which plummeted from Rs 2.7 billion in 2013 to a mere Rs 15 million in 2019. He attributed this to the previous government's actions and the central bank's complicity. The Prime Minister assured that in
Must ReadMauritius has reported three suspected cases of Mpox. One patient, a Mauritian man in his forties who recently returned from Madagascar, has been admitted to an isolation unit. A second suspected case involves a French national who arrived from Mayotte; this individual is currently being sought by police after leaving healthcare services before admission. A third suspected case has also been identified and is awaiting admission. Samples have been taken from the suspected cases, with results expected within 24 to 48 hours. The director of health services, Fazil Khodabocus, stated that a vaccine is available in Mauritius should cases be confirmed. Mpox is primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated objects, or, less commonly, from mother to child. Symptoms include skin rashes, fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Health authorities are urging vigilance and strict monitoring of all suspected cases.