On Tuesday 28th April 2026, a delegation comprising of Members of the National Assembly of Seychelles were officially sworn-in during the 1st Extraordinary Session of the 7th Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), which took place at the PAP Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
The delegation comprised Hon. Conrad Gabriel, Hon. Sandy Arissol, Hon. Sandra Sultan, Hon. Gerry Sopha, Hon. Francois Adelaide, and Desk Officer Ms. Georgina Balette. The swearing-in ceremony was a highlight of the Opening Ceremony of the Extraordinary Session, marking Seychelles’ continued commitment to continental integration, democratic governance, and the advancement of Africa’s development agenda.
Representing the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) President of Burundi H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Chairperson of the AU Commission H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf chaired and oversaw the Extraordinary Session and the swearing-in ceremony of the parliamentarians, further coining the Session as a call to restore stability, credibility, and institutional continuity of the PAP under the newly elected leadership. Following the induction, the newly sworn-in Members actively participated in key proceedings of the Session, including the election of the President and four Vice Presidents who will represent the five regions of Africa. These elections follow the principle of regional rotation to ensure equitable representation across the continent.
Photo credit of Hon. Fateh Boutbig: Pan-African Parliament.
Hon. Fateh Boutbig of Algeria was elected as President of the PAP, with Hon. Dr Ashebir Woldegiorgis Gayo of Ethiopia elected as First Vice President and representative of East Africa. The newly elected Bureau of the PAP will serve a three-year term, concluding in 2029, during which they will be responsible for providing a strategic direction and leadership to the PAP.
Members of the Seychelles delegation were subsequently selected to serve on various Standing Committees of the Pan-African Parliament, in accordance with their areas of expertise and national priorities. Hon. Conrad Gabriel was appointed to the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Hon. Francois Adelaide joined the Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources; Hon. Sandra Sultan was assigned to the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities; Hon. Sandy Arissol became a Member of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs; and Hon. Gerry Sopha joined the Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs.
In addition to their committee responsibilities, the Members participated in a variety of interactive meetings and contributed to the election of Committee Bureau Members. Through these engagements, the Members actively contribute to the work of PAP Committees and Plenary Sittings during the current term, while further strengthening cooperation between the Pan-African Parliament and the National Assembly of Seychelles. In assuming their duties, the Members pledged to uphold the principles and objectives of the African Union, promote democratic values, and represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Seychelles at the continental level.
