Andrew Solomon Napuat

National Security — Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat

Minister of Internal Affairs

Andrew Solomon Napuat has played a central role in shaping Vanuatu’s modern national security agenda. As Minister of Internal Affairs, his leadership has focused on strengthening law enforcement institutions, modernising border control, enhancing cybersecurity, and embedding resilience into Vanuatu’s national security framework.

Foundational Work (2017–2019)

• Upon assuming the portfolio in 2017, Napuat prioritized resolving long-standing issues with the Government Remuneration Tribunal (GRT) affecting police and security personnel.
• In February 2018, he presented 38 new uniforms to the Vanuatu Police Force’s Maritime Wing, in partnership with the Australian Government.
• In early 2019, Napuat defended reforms to the Police Act, confirming that police recruitment would remain non-political, inclusive, and merit-based, with participation from all six provinces.
• Under his leadership, Vanuatu gained membership in INTERPOL in 2018, allowing law enforcement to collaborate with international agencies to combat transnational crime and identity fraud.
• On October 4, 2019, Napuat and Prime Minister Charlot Salwai officially launched Vanuatu’s first National Security Strategy (NSS), built around 10 core pillars including disaster resilience, cybersecurity, border security, justice, and external relations.
• He also played an active role in law enforcement discipline and oversight, commissioning investigations into allegations of misconduct and strengthening public accountability.
• In 2019, he oversaw the groundbreaking of Vanuatu’s first Immigration Detention Centre near Bauerfield Airport—an initiative designed to protect national sovereignty following rising concerns about immigration abuse and illegal operations.
• Napuat became the first Minister of State to participate in military field training exercises with the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF), demonstrating hands-on leadership and support for national forces.

Recent Leadership and Developments (2022–2025)

• In November 2024, Napuat led Parliament’s ratification of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, reinforcing Vanuatu’s commitment to regional and international cooperation on digital threats.
• He continued to oversee the rollout of the National Security Strategy, focusing on newer pillars such as climate change resilience and cybersecurity integration, in partnership with regional agencies and Australia.
• Under his leadership, the Ministry of Internal Affairs contributed to the National Cyber Security Strategy 2030, setting out priorities for awareness, infrastructure protection, and cybercrime response.
• Napuat has actively supported a review of Vanuatu’s 2022 bilateral security agreement with Australia to include modern security challenges such as climate displacement and people-to-people mobility.
• In early 2025, his ministry initiated new internal frameworks to improve border security, combat identity fraud, and modernise civil status verification processes in line with digital security expectations.

Summary of Key Contributions

Minister Napuat continues to lead Vanuatu’s security vision with a long-term, inclusive, and regionally aligned approach. His emphasis on institutional integrity, cross-border collaboration, and national preparedness has positioned Vanuatu as a proactive player in Pacific security and resilience.