Seychelles president resigns from office

Seychelles president has announced that he will step down.

In a televised address, President James Michel said after 12 years in office, the time had come to hand power to a new leader.

“I am leaving the Office of the President with a sense of mission accomplished. During these 12 years that you gave me the honour and privilege to lead our nation, I have completed my responsibility and my duty.”

His announcement comes on the day that the National assembly which is now controlled by an opposition coalition was sworn into office, after their recent victory in legislative elections held earlier this month.

It also comes only 10 months into his third and final five-year term as president.

Vice president Danny Faure will assume office and be sworn on October 16 the day President Michel’s resignation takes effect.

Faure is expected to complete the four years that remain to be served on the president’s term.