Tonga's 10th military contingent has deployed to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands RAMSI, leaving Tonga on Friday, February 25.

The contingent of 33 soldiers is the first to be deployed to the Solomon Islands following the return of the ninth military contingent that included Tongan soldiers who were alleged to have shot dead a Solomon Islander in Titinge on August 12, 2010.

Captain Toni Fonokalafi told Matangi Tonga Online on February 28,
that an investigation conducted by the Tonga Defence Services following incident had concluded in September that the Tongan soldiers did not commit any crime.

"The Tongan boys acted according to the Rules of Engagement in regards to the area of operation," he said.

"To my understanding a report was officially submitted from the Government of Tonga to the Government of the Solomon Islands about the findings of the investigation," said Capt Fonokalafi.

The ninth military contingent returned to Tonga on August 27, 2010 after completing their normal four months deployment under RAMSI.

10th contingent

Meanwhile, Tonga's 10th contingent left Tonga on an Australian Air Force Hercules aircraft, going first to Australia for four weeks
pre-deployment training before being deployed to the Solomon Islands on March 29, 2011. The normal RAMSI rotation has the Tongans taking over from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano was at Fua'amotu International Airport and sent off the departing contingent.

“I wish you all the best in your mission, as you are good men of this nation. You are representing His Majesty the King, and the people of Tonga."

RAMSI is a partnership between the Solomon Islands and 15 other Pacific countries, including Tonga, to help bring back stability, security and prosperity to the nation. The TDS has provided assistance since 2004.