TSI Seeks Transparency in SIICAC Director General Appointment Process

Sponsored Advertisement

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as weaknesses in the government’s recruitment process, following reports that the position of Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) remains vacant nearly a year after interviews were conducted.

In a statement, TSI referred to a Weekend Solomon Star report published on Saturday, 24 January 2026, titled “Appointment Rejected Twice – Attorney General Rejects Kalu to Head LCC and Now SIICAC”, which revealed that the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) declined to approve the recommendation of an interview panel for the SIICAC Director General post.

The interview panel had recommended Mr Solomon Kalu, a lawyer, former Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, and current Governance Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office. However, the recommendation was not endorsed, leaving the senior post unfilled.

TSI said the prolonged vacancy is concerning, particularly given the importance of SIICAC as a key institution established to address corruption in the country.

“The people of Solomon Islands strongly advocated for the establishment of SIICAC to combat corruption that diverts public resources for private gain, fuels conflict, and undermines trust in state institutions,” the organisation said.

According to TSI, the absence of a Director General has affected the commission’s operational effectiveness, noting that the newly appointed SIICAC Commissioners have yet to formally meet and that the office is currently in disarray.

TSI has urged the JLSC to reconsider its decision and proceed with Mr Kalu’s appointment, stating that he possesses the necessary experience, qualifications, and demonstrated commitment to good governance to support the commission’s work and the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

The organisation also questioned the reasoning reportedly attributed to the Attorney General for rejecting the panel’s recommendation, which allegedly related to Mr Kalu’s non-compliance with the former government’s “No Jab, No Job” COVID-19 policy.

TSI described this rationale as questionable, noting that the State of Emergency and related regulations have since been revoked and that many individuals previously affected by the policy have returned to employment.

“If there are more serious reasons for rejecting Mr Kalu’s appointment, they should be clearly disclosed to the public and Mr Kalu given an opportunity to respond,” TSI said.

Fighting corruption is one of the flagship policies of the current Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and was highlighted in its first 100-day programme. While acknowledging steps taken by the Prime Minister to establish the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and appoint new SIICAC Commissioners, TSI said the continued delay in appointing a Director General undermines these efforts.

TSI warned that any perception of inconsistency, political influence, or arbitrary decision-making in SIICAC leadership appointments risks eroding public confidence in the institution before it becomes fully operational.

The organisation has called for transparent, lawful, and clearly explained decision-making processes in appointments to key governance institutions, stressing that integrity, accountability, and public trust depend on adherence to fair and independent procedures.

“Anti-corruption efforts cannot succeed if the very systems designed to protect integrity are weakened by questionable decision-making,” TSI said.