The Federal Police led the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was set up in 2003 after an outbreak of community violence.
Assistant Commissioner Frank Prendergast has told a parliamentary hearing the multi-national mission has restored law and order to the Pacific nation. But he said the would not be able to maintain order without RAMSI's presence.
“The mission faces ongoing challenges,” he said. “While the achievements of RAMSI have been substantial, our work in the is far from over and our achievements do not represent at this stage an enduring state of rule of law.”
The AFP plans to remain in the country for at least another five years to develop the local police force and other public institutions.
Mr Prendergast said there are ongoing problems. “As evident from the RAMSI People's survey, public confidence in the institutions remains low and there exists collective fears of a return to inter-communal violence should RAMSI withdraw,” he said.
“More importantly, the underlying causes of the conflict remain and the economic outlook is likely to contribute to instability.”
