SOLOMON Islands has endorsed the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) in-principle during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, held in the Kingdom of Tonga from August 26 to 30.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reiterated this at a press conference in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on Saturday.
“I believe in the outcome statement communique, our position is clear—we endorsed the initiative in principle.
“However, as is customary, leaders make decisions based on consensus,” he said.
PM Manele emphasized that while the final PIF communiqué indicated that leaders had endorsed the PPI, the language also reflected the importance of “national consultation.”
He explained, “This ensures that our interests are taken into account. It’s not an automatic process—national consultations will still need to consider each country’s specific circumstances. Given that we are a much larger country, our policing needs are greater compared to smaller Forum nations.”
The Pacific Policing Initiative is built on three core pillars:
- Regional Police Training Centres of Excellence: Up to four centres will be established across the Pacific to provide specialized training and operational support for Pacific police personnel;
- Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG): A multi-country police force will be maintained, with a ready pool of trained Pacific police officers able to deploy in response to requests from Pacific nations, whether for major event management or in times of crisis; and
- PPI Policing Development and Coordination Hub: This hub, to be located in Brisbane, Australia, will offer access to cutting-edge Australian Federal Police (AFP) facilities for training and to prepare for any PPSG deployments.
Australia has committed approximately AUD 400 million over five years to ensure the success of the PPI.
This contribution will include funding for infrastructure related to the Centres of Excellence.
The PPI represents a practical step toward realizing the Pacific Islands Forum’s peace and security vision, as outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and builds on the recent work of the Solomons International Assistance Force.
Discussions about a coordinated regional policing capability began at the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meeting in 2023.
Pacific police forces are currently finalizing the design of the PPI to ensure it is tailored to meet the specific needs of the Pacific region.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
