Patrick Herminie, the president-elect of Seychelles, has pledged to suspend the construction of a contentious luxury resort funded by Qatar on Assumption Island, an ecologically sensitive area. In an interview with the BBC, Herminie, who is set to assume office on October 26, criticized the current agreement as ‘unacceptable,’ stating that Seychelles received minimal benefits from the deal. The resort project, managed by the Qatari investment firm Assets Group, includes 40 luxury villas and an upgraded airstrip for executive jets. Environmental activists have raised concerns over the potential ecological damage to Assumption Island, which serves as a gateway to the Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique biodiversity. The issue became a focal point during last month’s presidential election, with Herminie defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff. Ramkalawan had defended the project, emphasizing the need for foreign investment. Herminie plans to halt the project, engage with investors, and address environmental concerns, ensuring that only existing structures remain.