ADF and AFP operations in Solomon Islands
Introduction
In 1998, social and political tensions in Solomon Islands erupted into armed conflict between rival militias, including the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) and Isatabu Freedom Movement.
The Australian government, working with other members of the 16-member Pacific Islands Forum, drew on peacekeeping experiences in Bougainville during the 1990s to support the deployment of Australian Defence Force (ADF) naval forces and personnel for operations in Solomon Islands in 2000 to end the armed conflict.
However the 2000 Townsville Peace Agreement failed to address the underlying causes of the conflict, and a major intervention was launched in July 2003 under Operation Helpem Fren – the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Operations
Naval evacuation of civilians from Solomon Islands after June 2000 coup
Deployment to Australian Defence Force elements to the Solomon Islands under Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI): July 2003 – ongoing.
Deployment of forces from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations to assist the Government of Solomon Islands through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI): July 2003 – ongoing
RAMSI’s Participating Police Force (PPF) works to improve its image in the community: 2006 – ongoing