23 December 2021
As Christmas approaches the Solomon Islands Government today issued the following press release through its Government Communications Unit (GCU), and I quote.
The Government and people of Solomon Islands reiterate heartfelt thoughts to all impacted by last month’s civil unrest.
We thank Australia for responding to Solomon Islands request for assistance, and welcomed Papua New Guinea’s bilateral support, as well as appreciating New Zealand and Fiji’s contributions.
The Solomons International Assistance Force presence worked closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force leadership in restoring law and order and protecting all law abiding citizens from harm during the height of the crisis.
The Government commends the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s efforts in dealing with a difficult situation and the burning in parts of the City.
Regrettably this is the second major riot since 2006 where business houses were ransacked and burnt to the ground.
The Government said, it is mindful of the urgent need to strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force capability and capacity to respond to future unrest.
The Government has agreed to accept the Peoples’ Republic of China’s offer of non lethal riot equipment and six Police Liaison Officers to equip and train the RSIPF with the skill sets complimenting ongoing training received under existing bilateral assistance.
This riot equipment that will be flown into the country will include shields, helmets, batons and other non lethal equipment that will further enhance Solomon Islands Police ability in confronting future threats.
The National Government, through Cabinet, will always stand firm to ensure that our peace and tranquility in the nation is maintained.
Source: GCU and Solomon Times Online.
Comment.
My comments are non-political but appreciate that the riot equipment to sent by China is non-lethal equipment to both protect the members of the RSIPF in dealing with civil disobedience and outbreaks of public disorder and to be better able to deal with such instances in a non-lethal manner, at least as a use of force without resorting to the use of lethal firearms as may be planned for issue to the RSIPF’s Rapid Reserve Unit.
The use of lethal firearms must always be a means of last resort and only when all means of dispersal of rioting crowds have failed after international acceptable dispersal warnings have been displayed or given verbally.
I have previously warned of the use of excessive force by lethal firearms in the Solomon Islands and I very much hope the six Chinese trainers to be seconded the RSIPF will ensure their training tactics will allow the RSIPF to effectively handle and deal with any future outbreaks of civil disorder by non-lethal tactics.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
