Migration from Reunion as a factor in the early development of Seychelles (1770–1903)

ABSTRACT

This paper reassesses the historical connections linking Seychelles and Reunion Island from the 1770s to the 1900s. It highlights the contributions of Reunion people in the early development of Seychelles as a case of mutual self-interest cooperation rooted in history. Reunionese migrated to Seychelles during the French period, which lasted from 1770 to the 1810s. In addition to their contribution to the settlement of the then uninhabited archipelago, Reunion people introduced new crops. Despite the parceling out of these two island societies between the British and French empires in 1815, no complete interruption occurred. In the second half of the nineteenth century, Reunion’s impact on Seychelles society evolved to more specialized areas. As such, the story constitutes a valuable and instructive chapter in trans-imperial and inter-colonial cooperation within the Indian Ocean. Ultimately, the promotion of this shared heritage is an asset for regional cooperation today in various ways.

KEYWORDS:

• Seychelles
• history
• migration
• Reunion (La Réunion)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Dr Jehanne-Emmanuelle Monnier is a Lecturer in History at the Université de La Réunion and a member of the Research Center on Indian Ocean Societies (CRESOI). Her research interests focus on the nineteenth-century Indian Ocean through migration, scientific exploration and epidemics. Her latest book, Profession explorateur (Presses Universitaires de Rennes 2017), deals with the exploration and colonization of Madagascar.

Notes

1 Creole migrants are themselves outnumbered by settlers from continental France in the 1780s (Wanquet, 1972/1979).