Difference between revisions of "Seychelles"
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== Republic of Seychelles == | == Republic of Seychelles == | ||
| − | Seychelles is a small nation consisting of 115 islands lying approximately 1500 miles off the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is believed to have the smallest population of any African nation. Archaeological evidence points to the likelihood that the islands remained largely uninhabited until approximately the 12th century CE, when seafarers from nearby Maldives are believed to have visited. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama recorded a sighting of the islands in 1502 and is reputed to have named one of the island groupings Amirantes, after himself (islands of the Admiral). The islands were later claimed by France in 1756, and it is after Louis XV's Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles, that the nation was named. Great Britain, however, contested control of the islands during the Napoleanic Wars, eventually assuming full control in 1810, along with that of neighboring [[Mauritius]]. These two island nations would remain under joint administration until 1910, when Seychelles became a separate crown colony. Full independence as a Commonwealth nation was granted in 1976 | + | Seychelles ''(République des Seychelles)'' is a small nation consisting of 115 islands lying approximately 1500 miles off the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is believed to have the smallest population of any African nation. Archaeological evidence points to the likelihood that the islands remained largely uninhabited until approximately the 12th century CE, when seafarers from nearby Maldives are believed to have visited. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama recorded a sighting of the islands in 1502 and is reputed to have named one of the island groupings Amirantes, after himself (islands of the Admiral). The islands were later claimed by France in 1756, and it is after Louis XV's Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles, that the nation was named. [[United Kingdom|Great Britain]], however, contested control of the islands during the Napoleanic Wars, eventually assuming full control in 1810, along with that of neighboring [[Mauritius]]. These two island nations would remain under joint administration until 1910, when Seychelles became a separate crown colony. Full independence as a Commonwealth nation was granted in 1976. |
| − | + | In 1977, the first president James Mancham was ousted in a military coup d'état and replaced by France-Albert René, who retained control of a one-party socialist government until 2004. Originally the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP), the name was later changed to the Seychelles People's Progressive Party, and later just the People's Party. | |
| − | The | + | The nation made international news in 1981 after security forces put down an attempted coup d'état led by Thomas Michael "Mad Mike" Hoare, who had gained fame twenty years previously as commander of 4 Commando in [[Katanga]] and later of 5 Commando (the Wild Geese)in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo|Congo]]. Reputedly sponsored by the government of [[South Africa]], Hoare arrived in country with 53 additional mercenaries posing as tourists and claiming membership in the defunct British charitable organization, Ancient Order of Froth Blowers. Owing to several mishaps, however, the operation failed miserably. A second attempted coup in 1986 resulted in the government of [[India]] intervening, known as "Operation Flowers are Blooming." |
| + | |||
| + | The Seychelles People's Defence Force (SPDF) consists of the Land Force Command, the Coast Guard, and a diminutive Air Force with only three aircraft. Under the Land Forces Command are an Infantry unit, a Military Police Detachment, a Presidential Protection Unit, and the Tazar Special Forces unit. It is believed there are no more than 650 active duty personnel in the SPDF. | ||
== Camouflage Worn in Seychelles == | == Camouflage Worn in Seychelles == | ||
| − | * The standard camouflage pattern worn by operational personnel of the SPDF for many years has been variations of the British [[DPM]] pattern, such as those seen here. The pattern | + | * The earliest evidence of camouflage was by the SPUP's military wing, the Seychelles People's Liberation Army (SPLA), which wore French ''tenue du leopard'' pattern fatigues during the bloodless 1977 coup d'etat, as well as a unique frogskin or spot pattern camouflage uniform. |
| + | |||
| + | [[File:france5.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | [[File:seychelles-lizard.png|200px]] | ||
| + | [[File:seychelles-spot.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | * The standard camouflage pattern worn by operational personnel of the SPDF for many years has been variations of the British [[DPM]] pattern, such as those seen here. The pattern continued in use throughout the early 2000s but in 2025 it is in the process of being replaced by Multicam. | ||
[[File:Uk23.jpg|200px]] | [[File:Uk23.jpg|200px]] | ||
[[File:Uk24.jpg|200px]] | [[File:Uk24.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | [[File:seychelles-dpm.png|200px]] | ||
| − | * The Tazar Special Forces unit is a special task force of highly trained personnel specifically tasked with anti-piracy duties. Although historically the unit wore the same uniform as the rest of the SPDF, in 2013 photos emerged showing personnel wearing uniforms in Multicam pattern. | + | * The Tazar Special Forces unit is a special task force of highly trained personnel specifically tasked with anti-piracy duties. Although historically the unit wore the same uniform as the rest of the SPDF, in 2013 photos emerged showing personnel wearing uniforms in [[Multicam]] pattern. At some point in 2024, a transition would take place by the rest of the defence forces to Multicam, although even in 2025 there were some individuals still wearing DPM. |
[[File:Usa49.jpg|200px]] | [[File:Usa49.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | [[File:seychelles-mc.png|200px]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:02, 10 January 2026
Republic of Seychelles
Seychelles (République des Seychelles) is a small nation consisting of 115 islands lying approximately 1500 miles off the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is believed to have the smallest population of any African nation. Archaeological evidence points to the likelihood that the islands remained largely uninhabited until approximately the 12th century CE, when seafarers from nearby Maldives are believed to have visited. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama recorded a sighting of the islands in 1502 and is reputed to have named one of the island groupings Amirantes, after himself (islands of the Admiral). The islands were later claimed by France in 1756, and it is after Louis XV's Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles, that the nation was named. Great Britain, however, contested control of the islands during the Napoleanic Wars, eventually assuming full control in 1810, along with that of neighboring Mauritius. These two island nations would remain under joint administration until 1910, when Seychelles became a separate crown colony. Full independence as a Commonwealth nation was granted in 1976.
In 1977, the first president James Mancham was ousted in a military coup d'état and replaced by France-Albert René, who retained control of a one-party socialist government until 2004. Originally the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP), the name was later changed to the Seychelles People's Progressive Party, and later just the People's Party.
The nation made international news in 1981 after security forces put down an attempted coup d'état led by Thomas Michael "Mad Mike" Hoare, who had gained fame twenty years previously as commander of 4 Commando in Katanga and later of 5 Commando (the Wild Geese)in the Congo. Reputedly sponsored by the government of South Africa, Hoare arrived in country with 53 additional mercenaries posing as tourists and claiming membership in the defunct British charitable organization, Ancient Order of Froth Blowers. Owing to several mishaps, however, the operation failed miserably. A second attempted coup in 1986 resulted in the government of India intervening, known as "Operation Flowers are Blooming."
The Seychelles People's Defence Force (SPDF) consists of the Land Force Command, the Coast Guard, and a diminutive Air Force with only three aircraft. Under the Land Forces Command are an Infantry unit, a Military Police Detachment, a Presidential Protection Unit, and the Tazar Special Forces unit. It is believed there are no more than 650 active duty personnel in the SPDF.
Camouflage Worn in Seychelles
- The earliest evidence of camouflage was by the SPUP's military wing, the Seychelles People's Liberation Army (SPLA), which wore French tenue du leopard pattern fatigues during the bloodless 1977 coup d'etat, as well as a unique frogskin or spot pattern camouflage uniform.
- The standard camouflage pattern worn by operational personnel of the SPDF for many years has been variations of the British DPM pattern, such as those seen here. The pattern continued in use throughout the early 2000s but in 2025 it is in the process of being replaced by Multicam.
- The Tazar Special Forces unit is a special task force of highly trained personnel specifically tasked with anti-piracy duties. Although historically the unit wore the same uniform as the rest of the SPDF, in 2013 photos emerged showing personnel wearing uniforms in Multicam pattern. At some point in 2024, a transition would take place by the rest of the defence forces to Multicam, although even in 2025 there were some individuals still wearing DPM.
