The Chief Justice of Seychelles, Rony Govinden, has been recognised by the South East Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) for his outstanding contribution to promoting the rule of law and strengthening judicial cooperation within the region.
The award, presented last week during the SEACJF Annual General Meeting & Conference held in Botswana, celebrates those Chief Justices who have made singular and exemplary contributions towards raising the profile of the Forum and advancing its objectives, embodied by this year’s conference theme, “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law”, as well as exemplifying the ideals of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CJCA), to which body Chief Justice Govinden was elected as member of its Executive Committee last year.
In the light of the continuous progress made by the Judiciary of Seychelles, the Chief Justices of the Southern and East African region have agreed to hold their next Executive Committee Meeting in Seychelles in April next year.
This year’s Conference theme highlighted the necessity for judicial independence, of which financial autonomy is a crucial component. The principle of judicial independence is facilitated by financial autonomy and judicial accountability; and is in line with the best practices as set out in the Paris Principles on the Status of National Institutions, and the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary.
Judge Brassel Adeline attended the conference on behalf of Chief Justice Govinden and accepted the award in his stead. He was accompanied by the Deputy Registrar, Ms. Marie-Angel Barbe, and Director for Legal Affairs, Mr. Lionel Garrick.
This recognition highlights Seychelles’ continued engagement and leadership within the SEACJF, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding judicial independence, integrity, and regional collaboration in the pursuit of justice.