By Sarah E. Treptow

Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

HONIARA, Solomon Islands– The Australian Federal Police (AFP), who led the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in 2003, have warned that an international presence is still needed to keep the Solomon Islands secure.  RAMSI was set up after an outbreak of community violence in the Solomon Islands in 2003.

Assistant Commissioner Frank Prendergast told a parliamentary hearing, “The mission faces ongoing challenges.  While the achievements of RAMSI have been substantial, our work is far from over and our achievements do not represent at this stage an enduring state of rule of law.”  Mr. Prendergast said that while the mission has restored law and order to the Solomon Islands, the order would not be able to be maintained without RAMSI’s presence.

Mr. Prendergast continued, “As evident from the RAMSI People’s survey, public confidence in the institutions remains low and there exists collective fears of a return to inter-communal violence should RAMSI withdraw.”  He added, “More importantly, the underlying causes of the conflict remain and the economic outlook is likely to contribute to instability.”

The AFP plans to remain in the Solomon Islands for at least another five years, in which time they plan to develop the local police force and other public institutions.

For more information, please see:

Islands Business – Presence still needed: AFP – 24 November 2008

Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Presence still needed in Solomons: AFP – 21 November 2008