Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands

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Solomon Islands
This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the Solomon Islands

Queen Elizabeth II Governor-General Nathaniel Waena Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare National Parliament Political parties Elections Provinces RAMSI Foreign relations
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Map of the Solomon Islands

The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), also known as Operation Helpem Fren, was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor-General of the Solomon Islands. "Helpem Fren" is Pidgin English for "helping friend".

1 Causes for unrest
2 International response
3 Adam Dunning killing
4 Riots following 2006 general election
5 References

[edit] Causes for unrest

The Solomon Islands Government was perceived by Islanders as being corrupt, as well as neglecting outer regions of the island group, focusing most of its resources on Guadalcanal. Small armed militant groups gained a significant following and civil unrest grew. The most significant of these groups was the Malaita Eagle Force, led by Jimmy Rasta.

[edit] International response

A sizable international security contingent of 2,200 police and troops, led by Australia (under the Australian Defence Force name Operation Anode)^[1] and New Zealand, and with representatives from about 20 other Pacific nations began arriving from the 24 July 2003.

James Batley assumed the role of Special Coordinator as leader of RAMSI and advisor to the Solomon Islands Government. Major contributing nations to RAMSI include Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

Military personnel provide security, material and logistical assistance to police forces assisting the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of law and order. From November 2003, the military component was reduced, as stability gradually returned to the country.

Results of the gun amnesty in 2003

[edit] Adam Dunning killing

In the early hours of 22 December 2004, Australian Protective Service Officer Adam Dunning was ambushed and killed while on a routine vehicle patrol with another officer in Honiara. Within 24 hours, a rifle company group from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment was flown into the Solomon Islands.

In early January 2005, a joint operation between the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) and Participating Police Force (PPF) resulted in the arrest of James Tatau. Tatau was charged with Dunning's murder, the attempted murder of his colleague, and an earlier shooting incident on a Participating Police Force (PPF) vehicle, in which a bullet narrowly missed two PPF officers.

After the arrest, the military presence within RAMSI was again reduced. As of 2005, the five troop-contributing nations (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga) together provided approximately 40 personnel to support the PPF.

[edit] Riots following 2006 general election

AFP Tactical officers providing security in the Solomons after the riots

On 18 April 2006 Snyder Rini was elected Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands in a general election. This sparked rioting in Honiara amidst allegations that the election was fixed with the aid of money from Chinese businessmen. Parts of Honiara were razed and looted, with Chinese-owned property particularly targeted.^[2] With up to 90% of their shops burnt down in Chinatown, most Chinese have evacuated the country in fear of their personal safety. Snyder Rini resigned on the floor of Parliament on 26th April after just eight days as Prime Minister and as MPs were due to vote on a motion of no confidence against him.

In response, from 20 April 2006, RAMSI forces were rapidly bolstered by a further 220 Australian troops. New Zealand sent a further 78 troops and 30 police to increase its RAMSI contribution to 125 troops and 67 police.^[3]^[4]

The PPF currently comprises police officers from 11 Pacific nations: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu.