A tiny, almost barren island in the Indian Ocean has become a battleground in this weekend's elections in Seychelles, prompting global environmental concern. Assumption Island, in the western Indian Ocean, possesses little at first glance that would set even the most curious and intrepid traveller's pulse racing.
Stripped almost bare and blisteringly hot, with few man-made structures, it covers an area similar to London's Heathrow Airport and is, arguably, only slightly more scenic. Yet this tropical island anomaly - both geographically remote, and far from the popular ideal of lush paradise - has become a hotspot for geopolitical powers and eco-warriors, plus a political lightning rod in Seychelles.
Situated 1,140km (700 miles) from Seychelles' most populous main island, tourist-friendly Mahé, Assumption Island is a sausage-shaped, coralline finger of low-level scrub, fringed by casuarina trees. It was ravaged for its nitrogen-rich guano and agricultural use ended decades ago. But now, Assumption Island's strategic position and ecological value is priceless.
The island lies close to this century's Silk Road – the busy commercial shipping lanes carrying manufactured goods and materials from East Asia to Africa and beyond. India was keen to build a military base there but was rebuffed. Permanent ownership has been avoided thanks to pressure from the proud Seychellois public. As the nation goes to the polls, Assumption is a key electoral touchpoint.
At least under my watch, there will never be a foreign military base in Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan stated. We are not interested in the geopolitics. We remain outside.
However, the lease of Assumption Island to the Qatari royal family sparked sensitivities. Via a Middle East investment company, the Qataris are currently building a luxury resort, with concerns over the impact on the crucial turtle nesting beaches. As Assumption is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, home to unique ecosystems, campaigners are pressing for environmental protection amid ongoing construction.
The upcoming elections see President Ramkalawan defending his government against accusations of corruption and neglect of the environment from opposition leader Dr. Patrick Herminie. Hypotheses abound regarding the impact of Assumption Island on voting behavior, with many viewing the dispute as a reflection of broader governance issues in Seychelles.
This weekend may deliver a clearer sense of the political landscape in Seychelles and whether the island's fate could redefine its leadership.
Stripped almost bare and blisteringly hot, with few man-made structures, it covers an area similar to London's Heathrow Airport and is, arguably, only slightly more scenic. Yet this tropical island anomaly - both geographically remote, and far from the popular ideal of lush paradise - has become a hotspot for geopolitical powers and eco-warriors, plus a political lightning rod in Seychelles.
Situated 1,140km (700 miles) from Seychelles' most populous main island, tourist-friendly Mahé, Assumption Island is a sausage-shaped, coralline finger of low-level scrub, fringed by casuarina trees. It was ravaged for its nitrogen-rich guano and agricultural use ended decades ago. But now, Assumption Island's strategic position and ecological value is priceless.
The island lies close to this century's Silk Road – the busy commercial shipping lanes carrying manufactured goods and materials from East Asia to Africa and beyond. India was keen to build a military base there but was rebuffed. Permanent ownership has been avoided thanks to pressure from the proud Seychellois public. As the nation goes to the polls, Assumption is a key electoral touchpoint.
At least under my watch, there will never be a foreign military base in Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan stated. We are not interested in the geopolitics. We remain outside.
However, the lease of Assumption Island to the Qatari royal family sparked sensitivities. Via a Middle East investment company, the Qataris are currently building a luxury resort, with concerns over the impact on the crucial turtle nesting beaches. As Assumption is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, home to unique ecosystems, campaigners are pressing for environmental protection amid ongoing construction.
The upcoming elections see President Ramkalawan defending his government against accusations of corruption and neglect of the environment from opposition leader Dr. Patrick Herminie. Hypotheses abound regarding the impact of Assumption Island on voting behavior, with many viewing the dispute as a reflection of broader governance issues in Seychelles.
This weekend may deliver a clearer sense of the political landscape in Seychelles and whether the island's fate could redefine its leadership.
