The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has announced enhanced security operations ahead of the upcoming motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale, while appealing to the public to remain calm and allow the democratic process to unfold.
“I appeal to the general public to remain calm and retain from unlawful activities during the motion of confidence. We allow the politicians to do their mandated duties that we already have them the powers during the election so let them exercise the powers we gave them”, said Acting Police Commissioner James Aitorea.
Aitorea said the force is deploying additional officers, including officers from the provincial capital, to carry out regular patrols and static security duties at various locations throughout the period leading up to the vote. The operation, which includes intelligence monitoring, is scheduled to run through the weekend and continue until the day of the motion.
While the threat level has been assessed as low, Commissioner Aitorea emphasized that police are prepared to deal firmly with anyone planning or organizing unrest. He stressed that the RSIPF is committed to maintaining a peaceful environment so that elected leaders can exercise their mandates through proper democratic channels.
The police force is also closely monitoring social media activity related to the motion. Commissioner Aitorea warned that officers are “reading between the lines” of online posts and can identify content that may lead to prosecution.
He said intelligence units will focus on posts that are frightening or could cause psychological harm to the community, with offenders subject to interrogation. At this stage, no individuals have been called in, as the formal operation is just commencing.
Restating the RSIPF’s political neutrality, the Acting Commissioner urged citizens to report any police officers found engaging in political activities directly to his office or the police investigation team. He called on the public to work together with police for the good of the country, warning against repeating past episodes of unrest that severely disrupted basic services and brought the nation to its knees.
