The Judiciary of Seychelles proudly congratulates Justice of Appeal Samia Andre on her appointment and swearing-in as a Judge of the COMESA Court of Justice, where she is entrusted with the important mandate of interpreting and upholding the COMESA Treaty.
Justice André was sworn in on Monday 4 May in Nairobi, alongside eleven other judges, marking a significant milestone both in her career and for the Seychelles Judiciary. Her appointment reflects the growing recognition of Seychelles’ judicial expertise on the regional and international stage.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, spoke of the weight of the responsibility entrusted to the newly appointed judges, stating: “These appointments carry great authority and consequence, and with such distinction comes an equally profound responsibility to uphold integrity, accountability, and service to the people.”
The Judiciary of Seychelles welcomes this achievement as a proud moment for the institution and the country, reinforcing the contribution of Seychellois judicial officers to regional legal development and cooperation.
Justice André currently serves on the Court of Appeal, having been appointed on 7 April 2022. Her legal career spans over two decades of public service. She began her professional journey at the State Law Office in 1999, where she progressed through several roles including State Counsel and Senior State Counsel, before serving as Registrar General.
In 2006, she was appointed Magistrate, later rising to the position of Senior Magistrate, during which time she also presided over the Juvenile Court and the Rent Board. In 2015, she was appointed Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Justice André obtained a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Mauritius, followed by her Bar Finals through the Council of Legal Education. She has since undertaken several professional certifications, including judicial bench skills training at the National Judicial College in Nevada, USA, and has specialised extensively in Family Law, obtaining a postgraduate certificate, diploma, and a Master of Laws in the field. She is currently pursuing a PhD.
Throughout her career, Justice André has also contributed to national development through her service on various boards and tribunals, including the Family Tribunal, Employment Advisory Board, Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, Seychelles National Youth Council, National Arts Council, National AIDS Council, and the Survey Board.