Trade Union questions govt move towards defence force amid many unresolved welfare and resource challenges with RSIPF
BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) is questioning the government’s plan to establish a Solomon Islands Defence Force (SIDF), saying it is misguided and ill-timed while the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) continues to face serious welfare and resource challenges.
In a strong worded statement, SICTU President Tony Kagovai said the union recognises the government’s intentions to strengthen national sovereignty and self-reliance but believes such ambitions are misplaced when the country’s existing security institutions are struggling.
“The government must first fix the foundations before building something new,” Kagovai said.
“How can we talk about forming a defence force when the RSIPF, our primary security institution, is being systematically failed?”
According to Kagovai, the government, through the Minister of Police and National Security, Jimson Tanangada has outlined the proposed defence force as means to fill capability gaps in maritime surveillance, border protection, disaster response, humanitarian relief, and national emergencies.
But SICTU argues that the RSIPF already has a Maritime Department that performs many of these functions, including patrols of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“Before spending vast public resources on a new defence structure, the government must explain why the existing RSIPF capacities are deemed insufficient and why investment cannot be scaled within the current framework,” Kagovai said.
He said SICTU’s main concern is not just about structure, but about priorities while the government talks about future security capacity, it continues to neglect the welfare of police and correctional officers who currently bear the country’s security burden.
Kagovai also raised alarm over what he describes as deliberate interference by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services in delaying the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Solomon Islands Police Officers Association (SIPOA) — the official body representing RSIPF and Correctional Services officers.
He said despite approval from the Police Commissioner, the Ministry’s Human Resources Directorate has continued to block the meeting.
“This is not an administrative oversight; it is a deliberate attempt to silence the collective voice of our officers,” Kagovai said.
“How can the government talk about nation-building and resilience when it actively suppresses those on the front line?”
SICTU further highlighted the ongoing welfare crisis faced by police and their families due to the lack of an active SIPOA body.
The union said officers continue to endure difficult working conditions, low pay, and inadequate support for their mental and physical wellbeing despite carrying heavy responsibilities in disaster response, maritime security, and public safety.
“These men and women serve our nation with dedication, yet their welfare is neglected. There is no proper platform to advocate for their needs,” Kagovai said.
In its statement, SICTU outlined three immediate actions it wants from the government:
- Address Current Failings First: Drop the Defence Force proposal and focus on strengthening the RSIPF and Correctional Services with adequate funding and support.
- End Interference with SIPOA: Direct the Permanent Secretary and HR Directorate to facilitate the SIPOA AGM without further delay.
- Commit to Welfare Dialogue: Enter into genuine dialogue with a duly elected SIPOA board to address officers’ welfare and working conditions.
Kagovai concluded that any talk of a defence force is meaningless unless the RSIPF, the foundation of national security, is properly supported.
“A defence force can only be a strategic investment if it stands on a solid foundation. Right now, that foundation is cracking. The government must fix the welfare and morale of our police before building anything new,” he said.
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