FORMER Malaita combatants are giving Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare until December 5th to response to the unfulfilled promise he made to them during the National Healing and Apology Week in Honiara July this year.
A spokesman for the former Malaita combatants Faiga Wasi told Solomon Star that during the National Healing and Apology Week Mr Sogavare told former combatants that the national government will announce a Disarmament Rehabilitation Programme for former combatants soon after the week’s programme.
Unfortunately, he said since July nothing has happened.
“Nothing seems to come from the government to support the sweet promise,” Mr Wasi said.
He said the government received millions of dollars in the name of peace building and rehabilitation after the ethnic crisis but nothing was spared for rehabilitating former combatants.
“The current government and former governments have failed to address this issue to this day,” Mr Wasi said.
He said whatever response the national government has for former combatants regarding the rehabilitation programme they want know before December 5th.
“It is time that the government show us some respect and live up to its promise,” the former Malaita combatants’ spokesperson said.
By BIRA’AU WILSON SAENI
In Auki
