The Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has announced that Solomon Islands will once again contribute to United Nations peacekeeping operations through the deployment of police officers to South Sudan in mid March.
The Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations confirmed that eight officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force have been selected to join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Before deployment, the officers completed pre-deployment training in Pinkenba, Australia, with support from the Australian Federal Police and underwent all mandatory United Nations assessments.
The ministry said the deployment followed close coordination between several agencies, including the RSIPF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, and the UN Police Division.
In welcoming the development, the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations acknowledged the opportunity to participate again in global peacekeeping efforts.
Solomon Islands previously deployed police officers to UN peacekeeping missions in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The government reaffirmed its support for international cooperation.
“Solomon Islands remains steadfast in its support for multilateral cooperation and values its partnership with the United Nations in promoting global peace and security.”
