Solomons government rejects arming police

The Solomons Police Minister says the country’s Police will not be re-armed anytime in the near future.

Samuel Manetoali made the statement in Parliament in response to questions raised about RAMSI rearming the police force.

“The Sikua government’s position is that there is no intention to re-arm or train the Solomon Islands police force, including the Close Protection Unit, in the use of firearms at this time.”

The Minister said currently the police do not have access to firearms and are not being given firearm training by the Regional Assistance Mission.

The previous Sogavare government had planned to re-arm the police Close Protection Unit. Officers in the unit were sent to Taiwan for weapons training as part of this
policy.

Source: RNZI