Seychelles has moved forward with a major political and governance investigation into the Travizory border agreement, with the Commission of Inquiry now opening its proceedings.

The three-member commission was sworn in at State House and is chaired by Justice Laura Pillay, alongside Christopher Mancham and Suketu Patel. The commissioners were given six months to complete their work and submit findings and recommendations to President Patrick Herminie.

The inquiry will examine the history of the Travizory agreement, its terms and conditions, and decisions taken before and after the system was implemented. Travizory was introduced in 2021 as part of Seychelles’ COVID-19 response.

The investigation has become an important part of the government's wider transparency and accountability programme. President Herminie previously highlighted the Travizory issue in his State of the Nation Address, saying the government would establish an inquiry into the agreement.

The commission is expected to establish its procedures before beginning its formal hearings.

The inquiry could attract significant public attention, particularly because it involves questions surrounding government decision-making, public administration and the management of a major digital border system.

For Seychelles, the investigation represents another test of the government's pledge to strengthen institutional accountability and transparency in matters of national importance.