“CORRUPTION WINS WHEN OVERSIGHT SLEEPS”

SIICAC-DIRECTOR GENERAL

As we approach the 10th of February when Transparency International will release globally the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) remains without a Director General, leaving the nation’s premier anti-corruption body leaderless at a critical time.

This prolonged vacancy undermines the fight against corruption, weakens public trust, and risks damaging Solomon Islands’ international reputation for governance and accountability. It continues to exist and non-operational without a substantive Director General. This followed the Judicial and Legal Service Commission’s (JLSC) decision not to endorse the candidate recommended by the interview panel. While the Ministry of Public Service has clarified that no formal appointment was ever made, the vacancy persists and it has now become a matter of public concern.

Not only does this continued vacancy undermine and weaken public trust but raises serious concern about the effectiveness of the country’s anti-corruption framework. The prolonged vacancy undermines public confidence, delays institutional reforms, and risks weakening accountability mechanisms at a time when governance integrity is under close scrutiny.

The Director General post has been vacant and has remained without a Director General since April 2025, when John Kouni’s contract expired and it remains unfilled, despite interviews and recommendations conducted in late 2025. Confusion has risen over whether a candidate was rejected or simply not shortlisted, with government clarifications stating that no appointment was ever finalized.

The clarification given from the government sidelines the issue under a jargon of technicalities which are confused in themselves.  SIICAC, is established to lead the fight against corruption. Without its mandated head, an Oversight Gap exists limiting its ability to set direction and enforce accountability. It is now February the situation of SIICAC is disappointing while concerning.  Not only is it without a Director General but the SIICAC Commission has not convened a meeting since their appointment adds to this oversight gap. How then can cases be reviewed and approved for moving forward without the endorsement of the SIICAC?

What then are the implications of the SIICAC Commission without a Director General that can actually do the work? Without a Director General SIICAC lacks strong leadership to drive investigations, policy reforms, and public education campaigns against corruption weakening the anti-corruption efforts of the Executive Government.

The unclear processes undermine trust in government institutions and the integrity of recruitment mechanisms – public confidence and trust is at risk.  Key programs including the coordination with law enforcement and international and national partners are stalled or slowed causing operational delays.  More importantly the absence of leadership or appointing a non- performer to the post who ticks criteria that are not important in the fight against corruption, risks creating perceptions of political interference, weakening the credibility of Solomon Islands commitment to good governance.

Transparency Solomon Islands joins many in social media, civil society, governance advocates and international partners urging the government to expedite the appointment process with transparency and fairness.  Filling the Director General post and role is critical to

• Restoring public trust in SIICAC.

• Ensuring corruption cases are investigated and prosecuted effectively.

• Strengthening Solomon Islands’ reputation as a democracy committed to accountability and rule of law.

If there are no suitable candidates why not consult with our development partners to provide someone in the interim.  The PNG ICAC has this arrangement and although established later than our SIICAC is moving ahead because it has a capable head that leads it.

Transparency Solomon Islands believes that the prolonged vacancy in SIICAC’s leadership is not just an administrative delay—it is a governance risk.  TSI urges the GNUT led Executive Government to act swiftly and appoint a Director General who can lead the fight against corruption with independence, integrity and authority.  Corruption thrives where oversight is weak.

“CORRUPTION WINS WHEN OVERSIGHT SLEEPS.”

[ENDS]