Ibrahim Afif, the Chairperson of the Seychelles Media Commission, is “showing signs of improvement”, his family said on Saturday, but he still remains in the intensive care unit (ICU). Afif, the eldest son of Abdulla Afif Didi who was the President of the short-lived United Suvadive Republic, was rushed to hospital directly from the Seychelles International Airport on Mahe’ Island following his return from the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday.

The exact details about Ibrahim Afif’s illness have not been disclosed by the family. Afif has received well wishes from several Maldivians, including renowned public figures, since news of his hospitalisation was revealed on Twitter and other social media platforms.

The United Suvadive Republic, a breakaway republic declared in 1958, encompassed the three southernmost atolls of the Maldivian archipelago: Addu Atoll, Huvadhu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah. However, it was disbanded in 1963, leading Abdulla Afif and his family to seek protection of the British government, who eventually relocated them to Seychelles. Abdulla Afif resided in Seychelles until his demise in 1993.

Ahmed Afif, a prominent figure in Seychelles’ politics and the younger brother of Ibrahim Afif, is the current Vice President of the country.