BY NED GAGAHE
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says the continued absence of a Director-General at the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) is undermining the country’s fight against corruption.
Speaking at the launch of 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on February 11, 2026, TSI Executive Officer, Ruth Liloqula urged authorities to urgently appoint a substantive head.
“First and foremost, we need to appoint the Director-General and not play around with the appointment because SIICAC is the flagship of the government in the fight against corruption.
“It being without a head is a big issue for us,” Liloqula said.
Her remarks follow Solomon Islands’ 2025 CPI score of 44 out of 100 — a one-point improvement from last year. TSI says the marginal increase reflects ongoing institutional weaknesses.
Liloqula said the leadership vacuum is affecting implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, a priority under the government’s 100-day programme.
“It was launched, but as of today nothing much is happening.
“They haven’t held any meeting. It’s all to do with the absence of a leader inside the flagship of the government to fight corruption,” she said.
SIICAC was established under the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 to investigate corruption offences and promote integrity in public institutions.
The commission remains without a substantive Director-General after the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) rejected the recruitment panel’s recommended candidate.
Former Director-General John Kouni’s contract has since expired.
Lawyer and former Leadership Code Commission chairperson Solomon Kalu was recommended for the post, but the JLSC reportedly declined the appointment following concerns raised by the Attorney-General over compliance with the now-revoked “No Jab, No Job” policy.
Under the Constitution and the Anti-Corruption Act, the JLSC has final authority to approve or reject the appointment.
TSI says the prolonged vacancy is affecting anti-corruption initiatives and weakening public confidence in integrity institutions.
“By improving accountability and holding power to account — which is the responsibility of institutions of integrity — we can improve this,” Liloqula said.
TSI calls on authorities to prioritise the appointment to restore momentum in the fight against corruption.
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