76-450: President of Seychelles Government democratization parliamentary election Later life and death France-Albert René ( French pronunciation: [fʁɑ̃s albɛʁ ʁəne] ; 16 November 1934 – 27 February 2019) was a Seychellois lawyer, politician and statesman who served as the second President of Seychelles from 1977 to 2004. He also served as the country's second Prime Minister from its independence in 1976 to 1977. He
152-632: A list of presidents of the Republic of Seychelles . As of 2021, there is a two-term limit for the president in the Constitution of Seychelles . The term limit has not been met by any president yet. Republic within the Commonwealth The republics in the Commonwealth of Nations are the sovereign states in the organisation with a republican form of government. As of June 2022 , 36 out of
228-405: A parliamentary republic . In others, such as Gambia , Ghana , and Malawi , the presidency was an executive post, usually first held by the last prime minister, with each respective country being a presidential republic . In the latter cases, not only was the monarchy abolished, but so was the entire Westminster system of parliamentary government. In each case, the republic was created through
304-691: A bid to get him to vocalise support. René endorsed a book, “Albert René – The Father of the Modern Seychelles” by British historian Dr. Kevin Shillington. The full-length biography, published in 2014, analyses his early years in politics and his struggle against colonialism. René died on 27 February 2019 in Mahé, Seychelles in hospital from respiratory failure, aged 84. The former president had been admitted to hospital with an undisclosed illness for respiratory problems on 12 February. Dolor Ernesta , who served as
380-651: A brace delivered to the president's office. While James Mancham was away overseas to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in London and celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II , on 4–5 June 1977, less than a year after independence, between 60 and 200 partisan Tanzanian -trained supporters of René installed him as President of the Republic in an almost bloodless coup d'état . René's claim that he
456-731: A constitutional convention, with the Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP) of James Mancham advocating closer integration with the UK, and the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) of France-Albert René advocating independence. Further elections in November 1970 brought a new constitution into effect, with Mancham as Chief Minister. Further elections were held in April 1974, in which both major political parties campaigned for independence. In 1975, in
532-569: A covert action to re-install the pro-American former president in the face of concerns about United States access to its military bases in Diego Garcia . An independent inquiry by the United Nations found that South African intelligence was indeed behind the coup; Hoare described the reaction he received from a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent in Pretoria as "extremely timid". However, it
608-533: A hobby out of fishing''. Until 2018 René was characterized as a prime example of a benevolent dictator as well as a well-loved and respected national figure, leading his country to the point of being the most developed country in Africa ;– as measured by the Human Development Index – and helping build one of the continent's highest gross domestic products per capita. However, the setting up of
684-458: A minister in René's government, said: “The President will be remembered as a true leader who led the fight for independence. I will also remember him as having a great vision for the development of the new Seychelles as we know it today, for he truly loved his country”. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences over the passing of René, stating that he had made important contributions to advancing
760-417: A new constitution failed to receive the requisite 60% of voters in 1992, but an amended version was approved in 1993. A consensus text was agreed upon on 7 May 1993, and a referendum to approve it was called for 15–18 June. The draft was approved with 73.9% of the electorate in favor of it and 24.1% against. The first multiparty presidential and legislative elections since 1974 held under the new constitution
836-682: A new constitution. Currently, the only former Commonwealth republics are: The 2007 Kampala review of the Edinburgh Declaration delimits the nations eligible for admission to the Commonwealth to those with "a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances". Various republics have a historic association with the United Kingdom as being former British-administered territories. The 2009 admission of Rwanda, which has no such association,
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#1733115529738912-441: A reassessment of his record; critics of René believe that he and his party are responsible for torture and other human rights abuses involving opponents of the government, allegedly including the death of a prominent dissident in London, Gérard Hoarau . After the 1977 coup, a significant portion of the population, including the deposed President Sir James Mancham, fled to the UK and South Africa due to political persecution and fear of
988-548: A republic had to re-apply for membership. Widespread objection to the racial policies in South Africa resulted in that country deciding not to pursue a re-application for Commonwealth membership when it became a republic in 1961. South Africa was subsequently readmitted as a member of the Commonwealth after democratic elections in 1994. Fiji and the Maldives also did not apply for continued membership after becoming republics (Fiji
1064-529: A return to the multiparty system of government after almost 16 years of one-party rule. On 27 December 1991, the Constitution of Seychelles was amended to allow for the registration of political parties. Among the exiles returning to Seychelles was James Mancham, who returned in April 1992 to revive his party, the Democratic Party (DP). By the end of that month, eight political parties had registered to contest
1140-435: Is survived by his wife Sylvia, son Neville and daughters Natasha and Yvette Greslé. A number of Seychellois were displaced and exiled by the dictatorship. The Greslé family were one of a few landowners of largely French descent to remain after the coup d'état of 1977 – most had their land confiscated and were exiled. Any individual who publicly resisted the René régime was vulnerable to threats, intimidation, or exile throughout
1216-642: Is suspected by Perkins that the United States played a significant direct role in the incident, given that there was co-operation at the time between the CIA and the South African government on other issues. Three million dollars were paid to President René and his government by South Africa for the return of the remaining mercenaries detained in the Seychelles. The 1981 attempt was the second major threat to his government at
1292-408: The Human Development Index . The situation for Seychellois Creole people , who constitute the majority of the nation's population, also improved significantly due to domestic policies implemented by President René aimed at racial equity. However, the white minority (mainly Franco-Seychellois ) still occupied most important posts (ministerial and parliamentary) in the state administration and dominated
1368-576: The Labour Party , at the time led by Clement Attlee and later Hugh Gaitskell . These experiences led him to adopt a moderate socialist ideology that favoured some state intervention in the economy and strong ties with conservative forces such as the Roman Catholic Church – René's initial career goal was to join the priesthood. Later, René denounced local church leaders who criticised his policies. From 1962 to 1964 he also studied economics at
1444-580: The London School of Economics . Upon returning to his homeland in 1964, young and enthusiastic René practiced law in Victoria. However, he became disappointed with the social policies of British colonialism that created massive injustice among the population. As a result, he decided to participate in the political development of his country. René also launched a newspaper, The People. It was not until 1964 that any new political movements were created. In that year,
1520-698: The Mont Fleuri police station, where the arsenal was kept. Three men were killed and a policeman and one of the insurgents were killed in the fighting. The plotters arrested six British Armed Forces officers, who had been advising the Seychelles Police Force since 1976. The officers and their families, as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court , Aiden O'Brien Quinn , a judge from Ireland similarly on loan by his Government , were flown to Europe;
1596-740: The People's Republic of China were established on 30 June 1976. China began providing Seychelles with diplomatic aid in 1977, including things such as constructing a poly-technical school and developing housing project in Les Mamelles . In 2002, China exported US$ 1.48 million worth of goods, while importing only $ 100,000 from Seychelles. Diplomatic ties with India have existed since Seychelles gained independence in 1976. A resident high commissioner of India has been in Victoria since 1987 while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008. Relations between
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#17331155297381672-534: The Republic of Ireland had been declared, ensuring most of Ireland 's self-exclusion from the Commonwealth, as republics were not allowed in the Commonwealth at that time ( Northern Ireland , as part of the United Kingdom, remained within the Commonwealth). The Republic of Ireland did not re-apply for membership of the Commonwealth, despite being eligible to do so under the London Declaration. The declaration
1748-573: The Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP, later Seychelles People's Progressive Front, SPPF), the forerunner to today's party United Seychelles (US) , was formed. Led by France-Albert René, a founding member, they campaigned for socialism and independence from Britain. The late London-trained lawyer James Mancham 's Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP), created the same year, by contrast represented conservatives, businessmen and planters and wanted closer integration with Britain. After being elected to
1824-638: The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan . In 1987 The Sunday Times , quoting unnamed US intelligence officers, reported that the Soviet Union had landed 50 naval infantry troops in the Seychelles after making landfall on the Ivan Rogov in October 1986; a month after a foiled assassination attempt on René. In 1999 an agreement on co-operation in the field of tourism was concluded between the two nations. The year 1963 marked
1900-486: The Truth Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) in 2018, and their hearings (televised day after day in real time, and recorded on YouTube) revealed the testimonies of people who had been tortured, and from relatives of people who had been murdered, tortured, disappeared, assassinated, detained without trial, as well as evidence of financial crimes and looting of the state and private individuals, led to
1976-473: The former Belgian trust territory of Rwanda and the former French possessions of Gabon and Togo , they are all former British (or partly British) colonies or self-governing colonies that have evolved into republics. Most of the Commonwealth's members achieved independence while keeping the British monarch as their own individual head of state (in a form of personal union ) and later became republics within
2052-426: The 1980s. Disappearances and what appear to be politically motivated killing did take place but these are not officially documented or acknowledged. A number of Seychellois families are now calling for official acknowledgement of politically motivated violence subsequent to the 1977 coup. Although he was white, he found greatest support among the islanders with a clear African ancestry. Faced with mounting pressure from
2128-436: The 1980s; there were three of them in just the first 2.5 years of government, and similar attempts were also made in 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987. On 25 November 1981, Seychellois security forces put down a coup attempt sponsored by South Africa. Notorious British Colonel "Mad Mike" Hoare and a team of 43 mercenaries posed as members of the " Ancient Order of Froth Blowers ", a defunct charitable beer-drinking fraternity, visiting
2204-486: The 56 member states were republics. While Charles III is the titular Head of the Commonwealth , the King is not the head of state of the republican members. The King is however, the reigning monarch in the Commonwealth realms . The Head of the Commonwealth role does not carry with it any power; instead, it is a symbol of the free association of Commonwealth members. Except for the former Portuguese possession of Mozambique ,
2280-465: The Capuchin Seminary of St Maurice in the canton Valais. After his first year, in 1954, he was transferred to study law at St. Mary's College, Southampton , England, and later completed his university education at King's College London . In 1957 he qualified as a lawyer at King's College London, serving until 1961, and joined Middle Temple. While abroad, he became heavily involved in the politics of
2356-550: The Commonwealth by abolishing the monarchy. In some other instances, the countries became republics after achieving independence from other former British colonies (as, for example, Bangladesh did from Pakistan in 1971 as a result of the Bangladesh Liberation War ). Republics have been permitted as members of the Commonwealth since the London Declaration made on 28 April 1949. Ten days before that declaration,
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2432-502: The Commonwealth, there is no differentiation in status between republics, Commonwealth realms and the members with their own monarchs ( Brunei , Eswatini , Lesotho , Malaysia , and Tonga ). Membership of the Commonwealth is by common assent of the existing members, and this principle applies equally to territories gaining independence from the UK and to outside territories requesting membership. Until 2007, Commonwealth members that changed their internal constitutional structure to that of
2508-588: The Indian government and those, such as Jan Smuts , who wished not to allow republics membership, the Declaration read: The Government of India have ... declared and affirmed India's desire to continue her full membership of the Commonwealth of Nations and her acceptance of the King as the symbol of the free association of its independent member nations and as such the Head of the Commonwealth. Following their independence from
2584-625: The People's Progressive Front, which honored him as its patron and founder. Michel would go on to win the 2006 presidential election against SNP leader Ramkalawan with 53.5% of the vote. René's political power, however, weakened with time, resulting in his party losing the 2016 parliamentary elections to the opposition. After stepping down in 2004, many believed René remained a powerful influence. However family members report that his successor, upon securing his position, "abandoned" René, rarely conversing or seeking advice from him except just before elections in
2660-545: The President was voted for on a yes-no basis by any Seychelles citizen 17 or older. The President enjoyed almost unchecked executive power, and appointed his own cabinet as well as his own chair of the National Assembly. The legislature itself was unable to rule independently, and instead only enacted the bills proposed by the executive. Criticism of René or any aspect of his government was not tolerated. This allowed him to be
2736-560: The Seychelles Minister of Defence, Ogilvy Berlouis , caused President René to request assistance from India. In Operation Flowers are Blooming , the Indian naval vessel Vindhyagiri arrived in Port Victoria to help avert the coup. Despite these attempts, for the most part René ruled throughout this period with underground opposition at home. He used Seychelles' strategic importance to obtain significant help from both superpowers of
2812-475: The Seychelles People's Progressive Front ( SPPF) in 1978, was the sole legal party from 1979 to 1991, largely financed from Tanzania , Algeria , Libya and the GDR . The newly reformed system of one-party socialism featured a directly elected president, as well as the original plurality system of legislative representation. All political activity took place under the rule of the Seychelles People's Progressive Front, and
2888-613: The Seychelles. President René reportedly took shelter in the resident of the Indian High Commissioner in Male . In February 1992, Conrad Greslé , a local accountant, landowner and advocate of multi-party democracy in Seychelles was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly planning to overthrow President René's régime with the apparent aid of foreign mercenaries and with supposed CIA involvement. Greslé died in Seychelles in July 1992 and
2964-402: The United Kingdom, most Commonwealth countries retained Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, who was represented in the country by a Governor-General . The monarch adopted a title to indicate the individual sovereignty of each of these nations (such as " Queen of Belize "). With time, many of these countries became republics, passing constitutional amendments or holding referendums to remove
3040-695: The beginning of an official U.S. presence in Seychelles when the U.S. Air Force Tracking Station was built and put into operation on Mahé . The USAF Tracking Station facilities were situated on land that was leased from the Seychelles Government ($ 4.5 million annually). The station's complement consisted of five uniformed Air Force personnel (two officers and three sergeants), 65 employees of Loral Corporation and Johnson Instruments, and 150 Seychellois employees. The USAF Tracking Station officially closed down on 30 September 1996. Peace Corps Volunteers served in Seychelles between 1974 and 1995. A U.S. consulate
3116-607: The cause of China-Seychelles friendship. In 1956, René married Englishwoman Karen Handley, with whom he had a daughter. Handley noted regarding the 1977 coup that “René plotted his communist revolution from my semi in Luton”. In 1975 France-Albert married Geva Savy Adam, a relationship that lasted until their divorce in 1992. He married for a third time in 1992, to Sarah Zarqani, 25 years his junior, with whom he had three daughters. She survived him with his children. René had numerous mistresses, regarding which he simply stated, ''I've always made
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3192-730: The centrist liberal Seychelles National Party (SNP) which emerged as the major opposition party, losing to the SPPF in 2002 parliamentary election with 42% of the vote. In his State of the Nation Address 2004, France-Albert René said, “I trust that when you walk across our islands, you’ll conclude that I have done my duty as a Seychellois worker”. On 24 February 2004, René announced that he would be stepping down in favour of his long-time lieutenant, comrade and Vice-president James Alix Michel (who served until 2016), who had been in office since 1996. He did so on 14 July, whereupon he remained as leader of
3268-500: The change to a republic in 1987 came as a result of two military coups, rather than out of any popular republican sentiment. Even when Fiji was not a member of the Commonwealth, symbols of the monarchy remained, including the Queen's portrait on banknotes and coins ; and, unlike in the United Kingdom, the Queen's Official Birthday is a public holiday. When Fiji was readmitted to the Commonwealth,
3344-451: The colonial government, he became Minister of Public Works and Land Development of the coalition government, which also included representatives of the Democratic Party (DP). Following the election, negotiations with the British resulted in an agreement under which the Seychelles became an independent republic within the Commonwealth on 29 June 1976. The newly knighted Sir James Mancham became
3420-563: The country's first President, with René as Prime Minister, following assembly elections in which the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) came in second place. These negotiations also restored the islands of Aldabra , Farquhar , and Des Roches , which had been transferred from Seychelles in November 1965 to form part of the new British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), to Seychelles upon independence. When Mancham told him he had been seen practicing with rifles on an uninhabited island, Rene coolly told him he had been ''shooting rabbits'', and had
3496-456: The country's primary sources of foreign aid, René's administration began moving toward more democratic rule in the early 1990s. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall and dissolution of the Soviet Union , at an Extraordinary Congress of the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF) on 4 December 1991, under the pressure of the opposition and France and Great Britain, President René announced
3572-519: The country's secondary education system graduate a compulsory National Youth Service , which included traditional curricula, political education and, according to some critics, ideological indoctrination and paramilitary training. This requirement was abandoned after the transition to multiparty rule and the organisation was eventually abolished entirely. Some critics of the former René regime also point to corruption and cronyism during his tenure. President of Seychelles This article contains
3648-454: The coup. The SPPF instituted a number of reforms, including universal access to education and healthcare, as well as environmental reforms. Compared to the rest of Africa, the Seychelles scored well in terms of child mortality, literacy rate, median income and standard of living. During this period, the Seychelles developed rapidly, to the point that it became the most developed country in Africa on
3724-554: The exiled opposition, was head of the Mouvement Pour La Resistance (MPR). His opposition to the dictatorship of René was based in London and he was assassinated on 29 November 1985 by an unidentified gunman on the doorstep of his London home. Hoarau is buried in London. In 1985, after the assassination of Hoarau, the Seychelles community in exile put together a program titled SIROP (Seychelles International Repatriation and Onward Program). In 1986, an attempted coup led by
3800-459: The fields of culture, education, sports and information was signed. During the rule of René, the socialist and non-aligned government of Seychelles – a small African Indian Ocean island nation – maintained close relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea , commonly known as North Korea. The country received significant North Korean developmental aid. Much of the cooperation
3876-447: The first stage of the transition process: election to the constitutional commission, which took place on 23–26 July 1992. The constitutional commission was made up of 22 elected members, 14 from the SPPF and 8 from the DP. It commenced work on 27 August 1992, with both President René and Mancham calling for national reconciliation and consensus on a new democratic constitution. The first draft of
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#17331155297383952-668: The idea of a Democratic Confederal Republic of Koryo . At the end of that visit, the two countries signed a treaty of economic cooperation. Relations between Seychelles and the Soviet Union were established a day after the island nation gained its independence from the UK . On 15 February 1980, the USSR and Seychelles signed the Agreement on merchant navigation in Victoria . The government of René supported
4028-513: The island was put under curfew. When approached by the insurgents, René was said to have accepted the Presidency on three conditions: that the safety of political individuals be guaranteed, that international agreements remain in force, and that elections be planned for 1978 (they were eventually held in 1979 ). René, who denied knowing of the plan, was then sworn in as president and formed a new government. After coming to power, René declared that he
4104-402: The islands as tourists. Shortly after leaving their Royal Swazi National Airways aircraft, an airport security guard spotted a Kalashnikov assault rifle in their luggage; the discovery launched a gun battle in which hostages were taken. Most of the mercenaries escaped after hijacking another Air India plane sitting on the runway. The author John Perkins has alleged that this was part of
4180-425: The issue of reinstating the Queen as head of state was raised, but not pursued, although the country's Great Council of Chiefs reaffirmed that the Queen was still the country's " Paramount Chief ". Some republics within the Commonwealth became republics on gaining independence from the United Kingdom; again, this was particularly true in Africa. While the moves to both independence and republican status have broken
4256-459: The legislative assembly of the colony in 1965, together with his party comrades, he actively fought for granting it self-government, and then independence. Elections were held in 1966, won by the SDP. In 1970 Seychelles obtained a new constitution, universal adult suffrage, and a governing council with an elected majority. In March 1970, colonial and political representatives of Seychelles met in London for
4332-489: The monarch as their head of state, and replacing the governor-general with an elected or appointed president. This was especially true in post-colonial Africa. Most African realms became republics within a few years of independence. As of 2022, there are 15 states headed by King Charles III , which are known as Commonwealth realms . Commonwealth republics usually followed the presidential system . Some states became parliamentary republics , such as Malta or Fiji . In Fiji,
4408-497: The new government's expropriation and reprisals, and alignment with the Soviet Union , Tanzania and North Korea . Between 1977 and 1984 four thousand Seychellois left the country (mainly to Britain and South Africa). In the period from 1979 to 1989, according to official statistics, about 1 thousand people a year left the country (which is more than 1% of the country's population). René also faced international pressure regarding his government's former requirement that all applicants to
4484-754: The only presidential candidate for elections in 1979 , 1984 , and 1989 , which he won with over 90% of the vote. Multiparty democracy commenced around 1994, but René continued to win in 1993 , and in 1998 and 2001 , when he defeated the opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan , the candidate of the Seychelles National Party . In addition to the presidency, he held several cabinet posts simultaneously, including Minister of Foreign Affairs (1977–1979) and Minister of Finance (1981–1989), Minister of Finance and Industry (1984–1989), Minister of Planning and External Relations (1986–93), Minister of Interior and Defence, Minister of Industry (since 1998). In 1988 he added
4560-853: The period without having to commit himself to either. With a suppressed opposition, he was able to power through much needed social reforms. In June 1986, the Indian Navy deployed the Vindhyagiri at the Seychelles Port of Victoria to abort an attempted coup against President Rene by Defence Minister Berlouis in what was called Operation Flowers are Blooming . India helped avert a further attempted coup by Berlouis in September 1986, when Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lent President René his plane so that he could fly back from an international meeting in Harare to
4636-404: The ranks of the party leadership. Like his predecessor Mancham, he focused on expanding tourism. In order to finance social spending, René also promoted the settlement of international banks and established an offshore financial center. Despite the occasional coup attempts, his regime was considered stable due to the balancing of interests between socialism and capitalism. Diplomatic relations with
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#17331155297384712-707: The remaining constitutional links to the United Kingdom, a number of Commonwealth countries have retained a right of appeal directly to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ; for example, Mauritius , and (if the case involves constitutional rights) Kiribati . In contrast with Commonwealth realms and British Overseas Territories , however, such appeals are made directly to the Judicial Committee, rather than formally being made to "His Majesty in Council". Within
4788-469: The results as "free and fair". Three candidates contested the 20–22 March 1998 presidential election : France-Albert René of the SPPF, James Mancham of the DP, and Wavel Ramkalawan . President René and his SPPF won by a landslide. The president's popularity in elections jumped to 66.6% in 1998 from 59.5% in 1993, while the SPPF garnered 61.7% of the total votes cast in the 1998 National Assembly election, compared to 56.5% in 1993. In 1999, Mancham switched to
4864-562: The role of Minister of Tourism. The last addition was ironic, as he grudgingly acknowledged in private that he would be happier if no foreigners ever visited. In 1978-84 he also served as chairman, and from June 1984 Secretary General of the SPPF. In 1979, a planned invasion of Seychelles by supporters of Sir James Mancham with the assistance of American diplomatic staff in Kenya and Seychelles was discovered before it could be carried out. An official investigation also implicated France with involvement in
4940-532: The time. The government was threatened again by an army mutiny in August 1982, but it was quelled after 2 days when loyal troops, reinforced by Tanzanian forces & several of the mercenaries that had escaped from the prison, recaptured the rebel-held installations. In the attempts to overthrow him at times resembled a Gilbert and Sullivan opera, he kept such an iron grip on the islands that would-be counter-revolutionaries went in fear of their lives. Gérard Hoarau , of
5016-610: The two countries have been warm and cordial with regular high-level exchange visits between the countries. From India, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Presidents R Venkataraman and Pratibha Patil have visited the Seychelles, while Rene , Michel and Faure of Seychelles have paid state visits to India. In 1986, Seychelles brought around US$ 600,000 in Malaysian products directly, but purchased U$ 7 million through indirect trade with Singapore , looking for direct trade with Malaysia to get Malaysian products without using Singapore ports. In 1988, an agreement to promote co-operation in
5092-425: The upper class, despite their European origins. The family returned to Victoria, Mahé when France-Albert was 5 years old and was sent to St Joseph's Convent, and later to St Louis College. With the help of scholarships, René was able to attend secondary education at Saint Louis College of the Marist Brothers in Victoria on Mahé. In 1952, at the age of 17, René was granted a scholarship in Switzerland to study theology at
5168-400: Was held between 23 and 26 July 1993, as well as a resounding victory for President René. Three political groups contested the elections – the SPPF, the DP, and the United Opposition (UO) – a coalition of three smaller political parties, including Parti Seselwa. Two other smaller opposition parties threw in their lot with the DP. All participating parties and international observer groups accepted
5244-400: Was likely to be suspended in any case, since a coup had overthrown the democratically elected government), and thus their membership lapsed too. In some countries that became republics some time after independence, including Malta , Mauritius , and Trinidad and Tobago , the new office of president was a ceremonial post, usually held by the last governor-general, each respective country being
5320-435: Was made by India to allow it to continue its membership of the Commonwealth despite its decision, implemented on 26 January 1950, to adopt a new Constitution and become a republic, abolishing the monarchy. Thus, India became the first republic within the Commonwealth. This set a precedent that all other countries were free to follow, as long as they each recognised the position of Head of the Commonwealth . A compromise between
5396-424: Was made under the "exceptional circumstances" proviso. However, in 2022, Gabon and Togo, which were former French colonies, became new members of the Commonwealth. The republics of South Sudan , Sudan , and Suriname have formally made applications, while other republics have expressed interest. Also, the application for observer status was submitted by the unrecognized state of Somaliland , whose territory
5472-424: Was military. Uniformed North Korean soldiers were present in the country in 1980. Another example of military cooperation was the 1983 deployment of fifty-five North Korean instructors and interpreters to aid the military of Seychelles . During his time in power, René visited Pyongyang several times, meeting with Kim Il Sung . During one meeting in 1988, he expressed support for Korean reunification , and applauded
5548-528: Was nicknamed by Seychellois government officials and fellow party members as "the Boss". His name is often given as simply Albert René or F.A. René ; he was also nicknamed Ti France . France-Albert René was born to Price René, a plantation manager and administrator, and Luisa Morgan René, a seamstress, on 16 November 1934 in Victoria, on the island of Mahé , Crown Colony of Seychelles, but spent his early childhood on Farquhar . The ''modest'' family did not belong to
5624-571: Was not a Soviet-style Communist, but rather an "Indian Ocean socialist" and "socialist pan-Africanist". Early on he opposed the Anglo-American military installation on the Indian Ocean atoll of Diego Garcia because of the possible storage of nuclear weapons. René discouraged over-dependence on tourism and declared that he wanted "to keep the Seychelles for the Seychellois". René's party, renamed
5700-458: Was not party to the coup was challenged during hearing of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission in 2019 and 2020 when known a participant acknowledged that he had been involved in the planning and execution. The insurgents took control of strategic points on Mahé . The central police station was seized "virtually without a shot being fired." In contrast, there was an exchange of fire at
5776-664: Was opened in May 1976 and became an Embassy after Seychelles' independence in June 1976. The Embassy was subsequently closed in August 1996, and the United States opened a consular agency on 2 September 1996, to provide services to residents of Seychelles. The agency is under the supervision of the American Embassy in Port Louis , Mauritius. The U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius also is accredited to Seychelles. Numerous coup attempts were thwarted during
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