Honourable Justice Samia Cécile Bella Andre, Court of Appeal, Seychelles, LLM, PhD (cand.), Deputy President (Hon.) of ICDRO -International Commission of Dispute Resolution ONLINE
Justice Andre presently serves as Justice of the Court of Appeal of Seychelles, a position which highlights her immense dedication to judicial excellence and the fair resolution of disputes. Where not conflicted, Justice Andre will provide assistance to ICDRO's ADR mission for the promotion of ADR policy development in states and corporates as well as in its other activities.
Over the course of more than two decades serving in Seychelles' judiciary, Justice André has risen from State Counsel to one of the country's most respected appellate judges, earning a reputation for outstanding leadership, sharp analysis, and delivering quality judgments in complex civil and commercial disputes.
Her elevation to the COMESA Court of Justice in November 2024, where she was elected by the COMESA Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General, further raises her international stature to navigate regional legal frameworks across Eastern and Southern Africa. This prestigious appointment puts her in a select cadre of judges who address cross-border disputes and places her squarely in a position aligned with ICDRO's focus on efficient, confidential ADR processes such as mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.
COMESA is an EU-equivalent in Africa. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa is a regional economic community comprising 21 member states stretching from Tunisia to Eswatini, with a population exceeding 640 million, and a gross domestic product estimated at $1.0 trillion. It was established on 5 November 1993, upon the signing of the treaty in Kampala, Uganda, and officially ratified on 8 December 1994, replacing the earlier Preferential Trade Area that had been in place since 1981. Its primary objectives include promoting regional integration through trade, developing natural and human resources, and fostering economic prosperity across its member states. The current leadership is President William Ruto of Kenya as Chairman and Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe as Secretary General. Its secretariat is based in Lusaka, Zambia.
Justice Andre's academic credentials include: A doctorate in law in candidacy at the University of Cape Town, a leading institution in African legal studies, and an LLM from London University have equipped her with a strong foundation in international law and comparative jurisprudence. She is a prospective candidate for membership of the CIArB.
Her professional development reflects not only technical proficiency but also a commitment to public service and innovation in the delivery of justice. For example, her work as an appellate attorney has helped establish milestone decisions that advance principles of equity and efficiency in the resolution of disputes, qualities contribute directly to the work of ICDRO in policy advice, training, and technological integration in implementing ADR.

