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Seychelles’ president-elect, Patrick Herminie, has pledged to halt the construction of a luxury resort on Assumption Island, funded by Qatar, describing the current agreement as “unacceptable.”
Herminie, who will be sworn in on October 26, criticised the deal for providing Seychelles with minimal financial benefit.
The project, developed by Qatar’s Assets Group, involves building 40 luxury villas on Assumption Island, approximately 1,140 kilometres south-west of the main island, Mahé. Plans also include upgrading the island’s concrete airstrip to accommodate executive jets.
The controversial development played a significant role in the recent presidential election, which Herminie won in a run-off with 52.7% of the vote, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan.
Ramkalawan defended the deal, arguing that the nation required foreign investment while granting Qatari investors a 70-year lease for a $20 million down payment.
Herminie has indicated that once in office, his administration will suspend the project and engage directly with the investors to express Seychelles’ concerns.
The island, which serves as the gateway to the Aldabra Atoll—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is renowned for its pristine environment and unique biodiversity, home to around 400 species found nowhere else on Earth.
“The existing terms of this agreement fail to reflect the value of our natural resources,” Herminie said. “Seychelles must ensure that development is sustainable and delivers meaningful benefits to its people.”
Observers suggest that the review could significantly reshape the island’s economic and environmental planning, balancing the need for foreign investment with protection of one of the world’s most important ecological sites.
