Seychelles 🇸🇨: Breaking Former president of the Seychelles, France-Albert René, has died at the age of 83.

Mr René seized power in a coup in 1977 – the year after independence from the UK – and ruled the Indian Ocean archipelago for 27 years.

Supporters credit him with introducing a socialist development programme that included free healthcare and education.

Critics say he ran an oppressive regime that crushed dissent in the country.

Mr Rene reintroduced multi-party politics in 1991 and won successive elections before retiring in 2004.

Source: BBC