Former Seychelles’ president, James Mancham, who inaugurated the first national congress of the Maldivian Democratic Party, died at residence, aged 77.

Citing doctor’s, Mancham’s nephew, Dereck Pothin confirmed the former president’s death.

Philippe Figaro, one of the security guards at Mancham’s residence at Glacis, in the northeast of the main island Mahe, said that they took Mancham to the hospital after his wife informed them that "he was not moving".

Following the news of his death, former President and leader of MDP, Mohamed Nasheed sent out condolences, via twitter.

Nasheed said that Mancham, who is the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles, “was a champion of democracy.”

Mancham became the first President of Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, when the country gained independence from Britain in 1976. He was overthrown by France Albert Rene on June 5, 1977.

Seychelles' president, Danny Faure expressed regret over the passing of the country’s former leader, describing him as “a defender of liberty and champion of human rights.”

As a sign of respect, the Seychelle’s national flag is to be at half-mast until Mancham’s funeral.