The AFP's Solomons' International Assistance Force (SIAF) contingent withdrew last week (August, 2024) after almost three years of supporting Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) operations.
While AFP members deployed under SIAF have returned home, a number of AFP personnel will remain in Honiara to continue to support and build capacity through the well-established RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
The SIAF was established after AFP and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) responded within 24 hours to Solomon Islands' call for support in November 2021 to help the RSIPF restore calm in Honiara following civil unrest.
AFP members worked alongside members of the ADF, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Fiji Police Force (FPF), Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police in support of the RSIPF.
During the almost three-year operational mission, SIAF members were involved in operational planning, joint patrols, community engagement activities supporting the response and capability of the RSIPF.
A significant achievement of the SIAF was the support provided to the RSIPF for the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 Joint Elections, with dozens more additional AFP members deployed to assist on the ground for each event.
AFP members working as part of the SIAF conducted numerous foot patrols throughout Honiara alongside the RSIPF, attended community days to connect with locals and helped build the capability of the RSIPF, especially when conducting operations while Parliament was sitting.
The AFP will build on the extensive support already provided through the RAPPP and continue to boost the capability of the RSIPF through advisory support, targeted training and exchange programs.
AFP Commander Solomon Islands Heath Davies said the AFP was proud to deliver support through SIAF and looked forward to continuing the strong partnership under RAPPP.
"The AFP has a long and enduring partnership with the RSIPF, which has spanned decades," Commander Davies said.
"The AFP is proud to have worked alongside and supported the RSIPF to provide a safe and secure environment for the people of Solomon Islands over the last three years.
"The successful delivery of major security operations for two significant events in the past 12 months, the Pacific Games and National General Elections, is testament to the growing capability of RSIPF.
"AFP members will remain on the ground in Honiara to continue and build upon the great work being undertaken by RAPPP to boost the RSIPF's capability through mentoring and training.
"I need to acknowledge and thank the dedicated AFP members who left their families and friends in Australia to undertake the important work delivered through SIAF."
