Today, in a momentous ceremony held at State House, President Wavel Ramkalawan, Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), announced significant leadership changes and commissioned new officers, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing modernization of the nation’s military structure.
Leading the reshuffle, Brigadier Michael Rosette has been promoted to the rank of Major General, reassuming his position as Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces. Colonel Jean Atala has been elevated to Brigadier General and appointed as the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. Both leaders will serve in their new roles for a two-year term. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hollanda has also been appointed as the Chief of Staff, further solidifying the SDF’s leadership framework.
Alongside these key appointments, the ceremony also witnessed the commissioning of four Second Lieutenants who successfully completed their Officer Cadet training at the esteemed Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, India. The newly commissioned officers—2Lt Christopher Amelie, 2Lt Ray Charle, 2Lt Ron Dufrens, and 2Lt Tariq Cedras—were honored alongside several other officers who received promotions from Captain to Major, recognizing their exceptional service.
President Ramkalawan commended the officers for their unwavering commitment to national security and emphasized the significance of the restructuring efforts in bolstering the SDF’s operational capabilities and fostering international partnerships. He also extended a warm invitation to young Seychellois, urging them to consider joining the defence forces and contributing to the nation’s security across various domains.
The promotions, which were endorsed by the Defence Force Council and approved by the Commander-in-Chief, reflect the SDF’s steadfast dedication to excellence and strategic operational readiness.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Chief Justice Ronny Govinden, Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henri, Principal Minister Jean-François Ferrari, Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka, Leader of Government Business Hon. Bernard Georges, Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe, Director General of the Intelligence Unit Benediste Hoareau, and Hon. Clifford Andre, Chairman of the Defence and Security Committee in the National Assembly. Family members of the SDF officers and other invited guests were also present.
This momentous occasion underscores Seychelles’ commitment to cultivating a modern, efficient, and resilient defence force capable of addressing the challenges presented by a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
