PNG weighs police deployment to Solomon Islands after Cyclone Maila devastation

Papua New Guinea is considering sending police officers to the Solomon Islands following widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Maila, with authorities in Port Moresby now assessing the level of assistance required.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed that the request was formally made by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele earlier in the day.

He said the matter had been referred to Prime Minister James Marape, who was in discussions with the National Security Council and senior police officials to determine the scope of PNG’s possible response.

According to Tkatchenko, the Government is reviewing how many officers, including members of the Special Services Division, may be required if the deployment proceeds.

He said authorities were also considering the broader operational needs on the ground, including emergency response support and maintaining law and order in affected communities.

At this stage, no final decision has been reached on whether PNG will deploy police personnel to assist its Pacific neighbour.

Manele’s request, addressed directly to Marape, sought urgent support to bolster disaster response efforts and reinforce policing capacity in the aftermath of the cyclone.

The appeal is made under a bilateral policing agreement signed three years ago between Tkatchenko and Manele during his tenure as Solomon Islands’ foreign affairs minister.