Seychelles: Major Claude Vidot and the Delpech family
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | SYC0178 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Seychelles: Major Claude Vidot and the Delpech family, 1 September 1991, SYC0178, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac519c.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Following the failed coup attempt on 25 November 1981, mercenaries taking part in the operation were reported to have hijacked an Air India aircraft and proceeded to South Africa where they were briefly detained and charged with kidnapping, an offence for which there is no mandatory minimum sentence in South Africa. [ Facts on File, 4, 2143, (New York: 11 December 1981), p. 909. ] All 44 mercenaries who fled to South Africa were reported to be citizens of countries other than Seychelles. Among those identified, 23 were South African, 9 British, and 5 Zimbabwean. [Ibid., p. 910,] Five of a group of 8 mercenaries who acted as an advance unit were arrested by Seychellois authorities, but their citizenship was unclear. [ Ibid.]
Given that none of the mercenaries who fled to South Africa have been identified as Seychellois, it is difficult to corroborate whether Klet Delpech was amongst them. If he was one of the advance unit who was captured by Seychellois authorities, he would in all probability have been prosecuted for attempting to overthrow the government.
As of 1986, Major Claude Vidot continued to enjoy the confidence of President René, despite the dismissal of four high-ranking army officers. [ "Seychelles: Resignations," in Africa Confidential, 27, 20, (London: 1 October 1986), p. 1.] "Seychelles: Resignations." in Africa Confidential, 27, 20, London: 1 October 1986.
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