Editorial - THE COWARD THAT IS ALBERT RENE

Editorial

THE COWARD THAT IS ALBERT RENE

In this issue we have reproduced the radio address Albert Rene made to the people of Seychelles in the early evening of 5th June 1977, the day of the coup d’etat. The words of Rene then, give the lie today that the coup d’etat was in fact liberation for the people of Seychelles. The address was in Creole. The first big lie was that Rene had nothing to do with the coup d’etat itself. This is Albert Rene’s own translation of the radio broadcast, which appears in a book called Seychelles, the New Era. 30 years on that lie stands out majestically. Most important it reveals just how the former President was a political coward.

History will recall too that Albert Rene was the Prime Minister in the democratically elected Government of President Mancham under the terms of the coalition brokered by the British Government to take our country to independence in the spirit of national reconciliation and in unity of purpose. But a few days before 5th June, Prime Minister Rene kissed goodbye his President at the Airport, as the latter left the country to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London where newly independent Seychelles was to be admitted as a fully fledged member of the organisation.

The address shows also, that on that day there were no jubilations in the streets as the one-party state propaganda would have the world believe. Indeed, in his own words Albert Rene warned the population to “obey the orders broadcast on radio Seychelles and stay at home”, while the supporters of his party, assisted by Tanzanian soldiers, were patrolling the island with AK-47 harassing everyone who so much as venture into the streets.

The coup d’etat was also a bloody one and more blood was shed as Rene endeavoured to consolidate his power under a dictatorship that lasted 15 years – the repercussions being felt even today 30 years on. In the pursuit of his blind ambition for power at all costs, Albert Rene and James Michel caused the death of many innocent Seychellois.

The decision of President Michel to mark the occasion of the coup d’etat with an official (in other words government) agenda is an insult to all those who were the victims of his and Rene’s treasonable act. His decision to continue to observe the anniversary of this most divisive political act sends a clear message that neither Rene nor Michel is interested in national reconciliation despite their rhetoric.

5th June is the saddest day in our history and will forever remain so until the SPPF leadership comes to terms with the extent of the damage they have caused to the unity of our people, let alone their wellfare and economic wellbeing.