The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) proudly welcomes the new Ombudsman of Seychelles, Mr. George Emmanuel Robert, into its esteemed family. Mr. Robert was officially sworn in on Thursday, 16 May 2024, during a ceremonial event held at State House in Victoria, Seychelles.

Mr. Robert brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the role. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Business (Business Economics) from the University of New England, Australia, in 2009. He furthered his education with a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, in 2011. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and specialization, Mr. Robert completed a Master of Public and International Law at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2020.

His professional career started with his admission to the legal profession as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Australia, on 6 June 2011. He initially worked as a solicitor in a private law firm before moving to Seychelles in 2012, where he joined the Chambers of the Attorney General as a State Counsel. On 27 June 2014, he was admitted as an Attorney at Law of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Seychelles.

In late 2014, Mr. Robert transitioned to private practice, serving as an Attorney-at-Law at the Law Chambers of Francis Changsam in Victoria, Seychelles. His career took a judicial turn in October 2015 when he was appointed a Magistrate of the Magistrates' Court of Seychelles. His pursuit of advanced legal education saw him taking a brief hiatus from this role in June 2017 to complete his Master’s degree in Australia, which he accomplished in April 2020.

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Robert served as the Legal Director at the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, where his contributions were highly regarded.

At his swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Robert expressed his deep honor and humility at being appointed the fifth Ombudsman of Seychelles. He emphasized his readiness to serve the people of Seychelles and his commitment to elevating the office to the level envisioned at its inception in 1993.

The AOMA community is thrilled to have Mr. Robert join its ranks and looks forward to his contributions in advancing the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency within the region. His extensive background and dedication to public service are sure to enrich the collective efforts of Ombudsman offices across Africa.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Robert and welcome him warmly to the AOMA family.