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Solomon Islands renews agreement with HALO Trust to continue efforts clearing WWII bombs and improving public safety.
The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), has renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The HALO Trust to continue nationwide efforts addressing the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from World War II.
The renewed agreement, signed this week, extends cooperation between both parties until June 2026, reinforcing commitments to public safety, national security, and sustainable community development.
The partnership builds on the original MOU signed in June 2023, which supported a national non-technical survey identifying contaminated areas and helped establish a UXO coordination mechanism. Under the new agreement, work will continue to include further surveying, capacity building for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, and stronger national oversight guided by Solomon Islands laws and cultural protocols.
Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale, expressed appreciation for The HALO Trust’s professionalism and technical expertise, as well as financial backing from the United States Government, which is providing USD 3.6 million in support. She said, “This renewed MOU is not just about clearing remnants of conflict but about protecting lives and enabling national progress”, PS Galokale said.
The HALO Trust’s Solomon Islands Programme Manager, Emily Davis, said the organisation looks forward to continuing its work under the agreement. “We are proud to support Solomon Islands communities through non-technical surveys and risk education to reduce the threat of unexploded ordnance. We thank the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services for their ongoing collaboration.”
UXO contamination remains a significant safety risk, especially in areas that were once World War II battle zones. The partnership supports the National Security Strategy 2025–2028, which prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders while promoting safer land use for agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and economic development.
Source: Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services
About The HALO Trust
The HALO Trust is an international non-governmental organisation that clears landmines, unexploded bombs, and other remnants of conflict. Established in 1988, it operates in over 30 countries, providing surveys, clearance, and risk education to protect communities. HALO receives funding from governments, institutional donors, foundations, corporate partners, and public donations.
