The main aim of the meeting was to identify areas of collaboration in the sphere of Early Warning between Seychelles and the EASF, specifically in the areas of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and disaster risk management.

Through this meeting, a general agreement on information sharing and collaboration was established, as well as a structured framework for the operations. Moreover, all partners agreed for the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The delegation from EASF was headed by Brigadier General Domitien Kabisa, the Head of the Peace Operations Department, assisted by a legal advisor and a conflict analyst.

In attendance of the meeting were representatives from the Seychelles Police Force, the Seychelles Intelligence Service, the National Information Sharing and Coordination center (NISCC), the Regional Operations Center (RCOC) and the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD).

An in-person and virtual meeting was held in regards to the unknown substance that has affected those who came into contact with it at various locations throughout Mahé. The objective of the meeting was to enhance the coordination between external partners and Seychelles in providing support during the event of a national emergency.

The meeting commenced with a situation brief given by Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer of DRMD, on the evacuation procedures of the institution affected in regards to the evacuation protocols, medical care procedures for those affected and the management of the evacuation and medical care from frontline responders such as, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Service Agency (SFRSA), Seychelles Police Force (SPF), Public Health Authority (PHA), Police Forensics team and DRMD.

The international partners present were the representatives from the United Nations, His Excellency Srimal Wickremasinghe, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, the World Health Organisations (WHO), the Chinese embassy and the Russian embassy.

Pictured below from left to right are Lin Yunan and Yan Lifong from the Chinese embassy, Ms. Jade Landry Head of the Education, Research and Information unit of DRMD, His Excellency Srimal Wickremasinghe High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Mr. Daniel Cetoupe Chief Risk Management Officer of DRMD, Ms. Lisa Singh, UN Resident Coordinator multi-country office for Seychelles and Mauritius, Mr. Alexander Odoevsky, Deputy Ambassador of the Russian Embassy and Mr. Alexander Mancham, UN Coordinator Officer Seychelles and Mauritius.

According to the Disaster Risk Management Act 2014, Part II 4(1)(h), it is within the DRMD’s mandate to review and monitor plans of each governmental and private sector organisations conducted by the Planning and Preparedness Unit. Representatives present from the unit were, Mr. Henry Moustache, Risk Management Officer, and Inspector Pedro Edmond, the liaison police officer for DRMD.

Sergeant Maria-Fred conveyed the progress of the revision for the evacuation plan, the capacity building support required from other key stakeholders and the challenges faced in the development of the evacuation plan to the representatives from DRMD.

An agreement was made to address and overcome these challenges by DRMD supporting the Seychelles Police Force in finalising the evacuation plan for the Central Police Station and to a carry out risk assessments, including the review of evacuation plans for other police stations throughout Seychelles.

DRMD ACT 2014 Part II