Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment to strengthen the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), while urging swift action to restore the watchdog’s full operations.
In a statement, TSI described the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment as a positive step towards rebuilding integrity, accountability and public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption framework.
It said SIICAC has remained largely ineffective due to funding constraints, staffing shortages and leadership gaps, including the prolonged vacancy of the Director General’s position since April 2025.
TSI welcomed the recent meeting between Prime Minister Matthew Wale and SIICAC Chairman James Apaniai, saying it signalled the Government’s intention to ensure the Commission becomes fully operational.
It also endorsed Wale’s pledge to strengthen the institution and restore public confidence.
“It is time to bring back integrity and trust. We must prove to our people that SIICAC is working,” the Prime Minister stated recently.
However, TSI stressed that political commitments must now be backed by concrete action.
The organisation called on the Government to urgently appoint a substantive Director General, saying strong leadership is critical to restoring SIICAC’s ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively.
TSI also recommended a review of the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 and the Commission’s operations to identify reforms that would improve its effectiveness.
While acknowledging previous government initiatives, including the decision to provide SIICAC with its own budget allocation, TSI said adequate funding alone would not guarantee success.
“The appointment of capable leadership, coupled with adequate resources and sustained political support, will help SIICAC become the strong and independent anti-corruption institution envisioned under the Anti-Corruption Act,” the organisation said.
TSI said it remains committed to working with the Government, oversight agencies, civil society and development partners to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability in Solomon Islands.
