Despite progress made by the RAMSI operation, the Solomon Islands continue to be plagued by weak political institutions and an underperforming economy, made worse by widespread corruption. These factors are undermining further reconciliation and peaceful development. The impending collapse of the logging industry, a key source of export revenue, could potentially trigger unrest and a renewal of conflict. Many Solomon Islanders also remain homeless after landslides and a tsunami. Continued Australian support, commitment to the Solomon Islands Government – RAMSI Partnership Framework, and continued success with the truth and reconciliation commission will contribute to any improvements of the situation.

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Indicator Scores

	Position													Total Score
2011	49 (177)	7.9	4.5	6.8	5.1	8.0	7.6	7.9	8.1	6.5	6.7	8.0	8.8	85.9
2010	43 (177)	8.3	4.8	7.0	5.4	7.9	8.0	8.1	8.2	6.8	7.0	8.0	9.1	88.6
2009	40 (177)	8.0	5.0	7.5	5.0	8.0	8.3	8.3	8.4	7.0	7.2	8.0	8.9	89.6
2008	30 (177)	8.7	4.8	8.0	5.1	8.0	8.0	8.7	8.5	7.1	7.7	8.8	9.0	92.4
2007	30 (177)	8.5	4.8	8.0	5.1	8.0	8.0	8.5	8.5	7.1	7.7	8.8	9.0	92.0

Core Five State Institutions

	Leadership	Military	Police	Judiciary	Civil Service
2011	Weak	Moderate	Moderate	Weak	Weak

Basic Information

Context

Political instability has characterized most of the Solomon Islands’ political life since independence in 1978. Growing economic and ethnic tensions resulted in an outbreak of violence in 1998 and escalated through 2000, centered on tensions between inhabitants of Guadalcanal and neighboring Malaita. Despite a peace agreement, instability and lawlessness continued. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Kemakeza requested Australian assistance in restoring law and order in the country. The Australian-led RAMSI mission was deployed in July 2003. Fierce rioting following contested parliamentary elections in 2006. The country has been affected by several natural disasters, including the 2007 tsunami. A national truth and reconciliation commission established in 2009 has seen some success in lessening tensions. Despite improvements, continued economic and ethnic tensions make for a fragile peace.

Social Indicators

Sustainability and pest control are key pressures on food security in the Solomon Islands. The country’s frequent exposure to natural disasters continually is a constant threat, leading to food shortages, population displacement, and increased group tensions. Dietary problems have been reflected in recent spikes in diabetes rates.

Recent Improvements and Pressures

• The Solomon Islands’ Demographic Pressures score improved significantly, demonstrating recovery from landslides in 2009 and early 2010.
• The Refugees and IDPs score improved 0.3 points due to some resettlement and improvements in monitoring refugees and IDPs.
• The Group Grievance score improved slightly, indicating success from the truth and reconciliation commission.
• The Human Flight score improved as economic growth continued.

Economic Indicators

The Solomon Islands’ economy is largely based on commodities exports. Timber exports alone account for an estimated 70% of GDP, a deep concern given the unsustainable rate of logging. The industry is expected to collapse in the next 5 years. The economy has recovered modestly after severe ethnic violence in 2003 resulted in an economic collapse.

Recent Improvements and Pressures

• The Uneven Development indicator remains high, reflecting income disparities between rural and urban workers.
• The Poverty and Decline score improved 0.4 points, showing recovery from the global economic downturn and greater ease of obtaining gaining credit.

Political/Military Indicators

The Solomon Islands’ political situation remains unstable, as reform efforts are undermined by weak political parties and short-lived parliamentary coalitions. Corruption remains a serious challenge to effective government and political legitimacy, and it also erodes a significant portion of foreign aid dedicated to infrastructure projects. RAMSI has taken charge of retraining and reform of the Islands’ security forces, though RAMSI remains the country’s primary security presence. Elections in late 2010 selected Danny Philip as Prime Minister by a narrow margin of 26-23 votes in Parliament.

Recent Improvements and Pressures

• The Legitimacy of the State indicator improved slightly, reflecting generally free and fair elections in 2010.
• The Human Rights score improved significantly due to success with the truth and reconciliation commission.
• The Security Apparatus score improved as RAMSI intensified training of security forces.
• The Solomon Islands’ Factionalized Elites score remained high at 8.0, demonstrating ongoing problems with fragmentation and uneasy alliances in government.
• The External Intervention score improved 0.3 points as the country’s situation stabilized and police forces took over more responsibility for the country’s security.

Latest Update: 2011-06-21 Kristen Blandford

Image: ADF

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