Vanuatu

Introduction Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Republic of Vanuatu Ripablik blong Vanuatu (Bislama) République de Vanuatu (French)

Former: New Hebrides Motto: "Long God yumi stanap" (We stand with God)

Flag

Location

Capital (and largest city) Port Vila

Official language(s) Bislama, English, French (Official) Local Languages (more than 100) 72.6%, Pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Ethnic groups Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Religions Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Demonym Ni-Vanuatu; Vanuatuan

Government Parliamentary Republic

- Head of State President Iolu Johnson Abbil (since 3 September 2009)

- Head of Government Prime Minister Edward Natapei (since 22 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Sato Kilman (since 19 November 2009)

Independence

- from France and the UK 30 July 1980

Area

- Total 12,189 sq km

- Water (%) 0 sq km (0%)

Population

- July 2010 estimate 221,552

- Density 19.7/km2

GDP (PPP) 2009 estimate

- Total $1.041 billion

- Per capita $4,800

Time Zone UTC+11 (UTC+11)

Currency Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)

Military Statistics

Military branches: No Regular Military Forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)

Military service age and obligation: There were no regular military forces in Vanuatu, and members of the other security forces had to be at least 18 years old.

Manpower fit for military service: Males age 16-49: 42,450 Females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

Male: 2,346 Female: 2,249 (2010 est.)

Disputes - international: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France

Illicit drugs:

Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) 2008 2009 2010

Growth % 6.6 3.8

Inflation % 3.9

Def exp f

Def exp US$

Def bdgt VUV

Def bdgt US$

Def exp as %GDP

FMA (AUS) AUS$ 1.56m 1.36m ?m

US$1= VUV

Total military expenditures are not available.

Strategic Weapons There are no plans to procure or develop any strategic weapons.

Ballistic Missiles There is no evidence of any ballistic missile inventory.

Nuclear Weapons There are no reported nuclear weapons.

Biological Weapons There is no evidence of biological weapons having been developed or stockpiled.

Chemical Weapons Other than riot control gases, there are no chemical weapons in use.

Military Forces The Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) maintains internal security and is responsible for surveillance throughout territorial waters with the help of the patrol boat RVS Tukoro that was supplied through Australia's Pacific Patrol Boat Programme. The Police Maritime Wing is responsible for maritime patrol and surveillance duties, including the enforcement of Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone.

Command Structure The paramilitary VMF is responsible to the Vanuatu Police Commissioner. There is no Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces Vanuatu relies on strong links with its neighbours to ensure external security. Should Vanuatu face an external threat the country would rely on assistance from Australia and New Zealand. The VMF is trained in Australia, and Vanuatu's waters are regularly patrolled by aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The paramilitary VMF is responsible to the Vanuatu Police Commissioner. There is no Ministry of Defence, or standing armed force.

Land Forces Vanuatu has no army. The paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) is the closest thing that Vanuatu possesses to a standing army, and is used to counter any external or internal threat. It is trained by the Royal Australian Army (RAA) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), however its role is to support the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF). New Hebrides Defence Force (NHDF) Was active in World War 2 and armed with Lee Enfield rifles, 9mm Sten SMG and light machine guns. Disbanded at the end of the war.

Army Aviation None.

Army Air Defence Forces None.

Air Forces Vanuatu has no air force. Under the structure of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) provides regular fisheries surveillance for Vanuatu.

Air Force Infantry None.

Air Defence Forces None.

Naval Forces Vanuatu has no navy. Its large patrol boat, the Tukoro, is operated as part of the Police Maritime Wing (PMW), directly commanded by the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF).

Naval Aviation None.

Marines None.

Coastal Defences None.

Guard Forces None.

Reserve Forces None.

Militia Forces None.

Government Paramilitary Forces

Vanuatu Mobile Force Full Name Vanuatu Mobile Force

Common name Vanuatu Mobile Force

Abbreviation VMF

Emblem

Overview

Formed 1980

Governing Body Vanuatu Mobile Force

Mission statement -

Structure

HQ Vanuatu Police Force Cook Barracks, Port Vila Efate Island, Vanuatu.

Type Paramilitary Force

Operational Units HQ Staff Cook Barracks (10) Rifle Company, Cook Barracks (125)

Santo Platoon (30)

Tanna Detachment (10)

Malekula Detachment (10) Surveillance and Response Force (SRF) Logistics Unit, Cook Barracks (65) Engineering Platoon, Cook Barracks (30) VMF Band Cook Barracks (30) Armoury, Cook Barracks Fire Service

Stations 4

Police Officers 350

Civilians -

Leadership Commander, Vanuatu Mobile Force, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Bong Commander, Police Maritime Wing, Superintendent Vake Rakau

Terms of Service 18-35 years old

Ranks

Uniform

Website None.

The VMF was formed from the Police Mobile Unit (PMU). It is a paramilitary, uniformed, internal security force. Lightly armed with a quasi-military role and camouflaged uniforms and trained by New Zealand & Papua New Guinea. The Vanuatu Mobile Force, although recruited under the Police Act and subject to the same legal restraints in the exercise of its functions, sees itself as a military force superior to the flat-foots plodding the beat, has a developed a strong esprit de corps and openly agitates to be separated as a force from the police. Politicians, beginning with Fr Lini and most recently Vohor, have entertained the idea and have on occasion given qualified commitment to its realization. The VMF is organized in several companies and platoons under the overall command of a lieutenant colonel, who is himself answerable to the Commissioner of Police. Equipment Vehicles The VMF has about 40 road vehicles and 15 motorcycles.

Toyota MB 1 28-seat bus. Gift from China.

Toyota Hilux LUV 3+ Double-Cabin Vehicles for Police Patrols. Gift from China.

Land Rover LUV Most are probably quite old by now.

The VMF controls around 650 firearms, In 2003, most of these small arms were said to be unserviceable, while the VMF was „desperately short of small arms ammunition.

9x19mm Glock 17 HP 50 Limited Use.

9x19mm Beretta 92G PAMAS G1 HP 20 Limited Use.

9×20mm S&W Model 10 Military & Police HR Limited Use.Sourced mainly from Australia

9x19mm Lithgow F1 Sterling SMG 6 Limited Use.

7.62×51mm Lithgow L1A1 SLR BR 5 Out Of Service, 310 ex-PNGDF delivered 1980, 5 kept for ceremonial use, remainder destroyed by 2010.

7.7x56mm RSAF SMLE Lee Enfield No4 Mk I/ii IR Reserve use. Obsolete .303 rifles from World War II

7.7x56mm RSAF SMLE Lee Enfield Mk II/III IR Reserve use. Obsolete .303 rifles from World War II

5.56x45mm ADI F88 Austeyr (AUG A1) AR 1 Limited Use. Trial weapon delivered 1992

5.56x45mm FAMAS AR 350 General use. Ex-French delivered 2009 as aid.

5.56x45mm Colt M16A2 AR Special use. Unconfirmed use by SRF.

7.62×51mm Lithgow L2A1 Automatic Rifle (FAL LMG 70 General use. Known locally as the AR.

50.41/42)

12.7x99mm Browning M2HB HMG 1+ Special use. For use on Pacific Patrol Boat.

Vanuatu does not have stockpiles of anti-personnel mines in areas under its jurisdiction or control. Camouflage

Pattern Name Other Names Uniform Types Users Description Notes In use

VPF woodland pattern Vanuatu olive woodland pattern

BDU style uniform, boonie hat, field equipment

in service with Vanuatu Police Force (VPF)

black, brown & olive green woodland shapes on a khaki background

presumably Asian mfg current era

Military Police None.

Cadet Forces None.

Other Military Forces None.

Police Forces

Ministry of Internal Affairs Full Name Ministry of Internal Affairs

Abbreviation MOIA

Agency overview

Founded 1980

Governing body N/A

Structure

Units Political Advisors and Cabinet Support Staff Internal Security and Border Control

Vanuatu Police Force(VPF) Immigration and Passport Service Office. National Services Labour Department Electoral Office Electoral Commission Civil Status (registry) Department Cultural Centre Vanuatu National Housing Corporation Corporate Service Division Police Service Commission Decentralization Services National Disaster & Management Office Department of Local Authorities Torba Provincial Council Sanma Provincial Council Penama Provincial Council Malampa Provincial Council Shefa Provincial Council Tafea Provincial Council Port Vila Municipality Luganville Municipality Lenakel Municipality

Employees There are 3 Advisors plus a number of Support Staff

Operational structure

HQ PMB 9036, Port Vila, Efate Island, Vanuatu. Tel 22252 Fax 27064

Minister of Interior Hon Patrick Crowby, Minister of Internal Affairs

Website

None.

The Minister has the overall responsibility in liaising with the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Minister of Finance and State Law Office on matters pertaining to the Ministry. He is also the principal person of implementing most of the MOIA government legislations. He is supported by the 1st Political Advisor-coordinating ministerial matters on Internal Security and Border Control.

Police Service Commission The police commission is responsible for ensuring that as good disciplined police workforce is in place so that security must prevail and efficient general police duties are implemented.

Paramilitary Police & Gendarmerie The French controlled Gendarmerie Division had a total of 12 officers and 120 other ranks was absorbed by the VPF in 1980.A company of French National Gendarmerie was deployed during 1979/80 in the prelude to independence.

National Police

Vanuatu Police Force Full Name Vanuatu Police Force

Common name Vanuatu Police Force

Abbreviation VPF

Emblem

Overview

Formed 1980

Governing Body Ministry of Internal Affairs

Mission statement -

Structure

HQ Vanuatu Police Force Cook Barracks, Port Vila Efate Island, Vanuatu.

Type National Police

Operational Units Forensic Section Traffic Section Criminal Records Section Criminal Investigation Branch Police Training School Police Radio Section State Prosecution Section Security Section Special Branch

Geographical Units 2 Police Commands

Stations 4 Main {Police Stations & 8 Police Posts

Police Officers 400 (being increased to 530)

Civilians -

Leadership Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Colonel Patu Lui.

Terms of Service 18-35 years old.

Website None.

Equipment As a matter of routine, Vanuatu‟s police officers are unarmed. Their armouries hold around 90 firearms. The police were given the power to use firearms during a two-week state of emergency following mob violence in March 2007.

9×20mm S&W Model 10 Military & Police HR 5 Limited Use.

5.6×16mm .22 Semi Automatic Pistol HP 20 Limited Use.

9x19mm Beretta 92G (PAMAS G1) HP 50 Limited Use.

New Hebrides Constabulary Used until independence in 1980 and armed with rifles, organised into French controlled Gendarmerie Division and British controlled Police Division. In 1978 it had a total of 260 police (including 24 officers) with each Division having 12 officers and 120 other ranks.

Provincial & State Police None.

Local police None.

Transport Police None.

Marine Police & Coastguard The Police Maritime Wing is responsible for maritime patrol and surveillance duties, including the enforcement of Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone.

Vanuatu Police Maritime Wing Full Name Vanuatu Police Maritime Wing

Common name Police Maritime Wing

Abbreviation PMW

Emblem

Overview

Formed 1985

Governing Body Vanuatu Mobile Force

Mission statement

Structure

HQ Vanuatu Mobile Force Cook Barracks, Port Vila

Type Maritime Police/Coast Guard

Base Police Boat/RVS Tukoro Technical Advisor Police Maritime Wing PMB 9014 Mala Base Port Vila Efate Island, Vanuatu. Tel 22930

Stations 4 Main Police Stations & 8 Police Posts.

Police Officers 30 (18 on ship, 8 onshore at the Mala Base and 3 at the Joint Police Operations Centre)

Civilians None

Leadership Commander, Police Maritime Wing, Superintendent Vake Rakau

Terms of Service 18-35 years old

Website None

Under the Defence Co-operation Programme Australia has provided one Patrol Craft to the Vanuatu Government. Training and operational and technical assistance is also given by the Royal Australian Navy. Ordered 13 September 1985 and launched 20 May 1987. A half-life refit was carried out in 1995 and, now that the Australian government has extended the Pacific Patrol Boat programme, a life-extension refit will be required in 2004 in order to prolong the ship's life to 30 years. The ship is employed on EEZ fishery patrol and surveillance, including customs duties. In 2005 the Chinese government confirmed they would provide two further vessels for coastal surveillance operations. Equipment

Pacific Class PCL 165 1 0 0 Life Extension completed to extend life to 2017.

Unknown PB 2 0 0 Refcently supplied Patrol Boats from China. Cheaper to operate.

Unknown YL 1 0 0 Motor Launch

Aviation Police None.

Criminal Investigations Police None.

Specialist Police None.

Reserve Police None.

Other Police None.

Security Forces

Border Security Forces Border security in Vanuatu is the joint responsibility of the Customs and Inland Revenue Service, VPF, VMF, and PMW.

Customs Agencies

Vanuatu Department of Customs and Inland Revenue Full Name Vanuatu Department of Customs and Inland Revenue

Common name Customs and Inland Revenue

Abbreviation CIR

Emblem

Overview

Formed 1980

Governing Body Ministry of Finance and Economic Management

Mission statement "To collect budgeted Government revenue, protect our borders and facilitate legitimate trade with high integrity and ethics."

Structure

HQ Department of Customs & Inland Revenue Constitution (Government) Building PMB 9012 Lini Highway Port Vila Vanuatu Tel 678 24544 Fax 678 22597

Type Customs Service

Operational Units There are 10 sections within the department * Executive * Rates and Taxes * Value Added Tax Revenue (VAT) * Value Added Tax Audit (VAT) * Customs Revenue * Trade , Tariff and Exemption * Customs Border Control * Northern Region Customs * Information Services * Investigation & Legal Services (ILS) * Training, Projects & Corporate Support

Stations 3 Customs Border Control Ofices & 3 Customs Offices

Civilians 90+ Employees

Leadership Ben W. Leeshi, Director Customs and Inland Revenue

Terms of Service Voluntary Recruitment

Website customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu

Department of Customs and Inland Revenue is structured under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. Its primary role is to collect Government legislated Revenue through the Customs Import/Export Duties, Excise Tax, Value Added Tax, Business License Fees, Rent Tax, Gaming, Casino and Interactive Gaming. It also ensures the Borders are protected from unwanted elements.

Protective Security Forces VPF Security Officers provide personnel security for Prime Minister and VIPs

Intelligence Agencies VPF Special Branch undertakes the Internal Security role.

Other Security Forces None.

Special Forces Surveillance and Response Force (SRF) The VMF Surveillance and Response Force (SRF) based in Port Vila receives training from Australia and acts as the only SWAT/Special Forces Unit Exercise Vanuatu Alliance is an annual training activity for the VMF led by 51FNQR to consolidate their skills particularly for the Surveillance and Response Force (SRF) members of the VMF.

Civil Defence Forces National Disaster & Management Office The NDMO has a staff of three, and is tasked with implementing the strategies and policies of the National Disaster Committee (NDC). However the NDMO has no powers to require other agencies to act on any identified prevention measures. The NDC coordinates response and recovery activities including coordination with donors. Vanuatu Fire Service The VFS is part of the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) supervised by a commander Lieutenant Colonel Api Jack Usamoli.

Overseas & Foreign Forces

Forces Overseas Members of VMF and VPF have served in UN peacekeeping missions in East Timor (UNTAET/UNMISET), Bosnia-Herzegovina (UNMIBH), Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Ivory Coast (UNOCI), Haiti (MINUSTAH), and Sudan (UNMIS), as well as non-UN missions in the Peace Monitoring Group and Transition Team in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, and in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). 30 personnel are trained and ready to deploy at any one time. Current Missions

African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) 29

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) 4

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Participating Police Force 3

Foreign Forces Australia: Army 3; Navy 2-3 New Zealand: Army 2 Foreign forces are stationed in Vanuatu under bilateral aid agreements to assist in the promotion of good governance, training and operational support of VPF/VMF/PMW forces. They are not coordinated in their deployments, and are responsible to both the Vanuatu government as well as their home government. All foreign forces and advisors are based in Port Vila. 2 or 3 members of the Royal Australian Navy are stationed in Vanuatu to provide support for the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. One of these is an officer, with the other (sometimes two) being marine engineers or electricians. They help to train the PMW, maintain the Tukoro, provide operational support as well as assist in the formulation of policy for the PMW. There are also Royal Australian Army (RAA) officers in Vanuatu, who help with training the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) and the VMF. The RAA contingent includes two officers who provide training and operational advice to the VPF, and a communications advisor. 1 NZ Army engineer officer is posted as officer commanding the Vanuatu Mobile Force engineer platoon while a NZ Army staff sergeant is posted to the Vanuatu Mobile Force engineer platoon as foreman of works. New Zealand Defense Force engineers assisted the VMF to construct a temporary prison at the former Luganville police barracks and upgrade the State prison in 2006 as an interim measure, before construction of a new, national prison facility on Efate. The new building of the Vanuatu Correctional Service funded by New Zealand Aid (NZAid) in Luganville became operational at the end of 2006.

Non-State Armed Groups There are no insurgent forces in Vanuatu. Despite an attempted secession of Espirito Santo in 1980, and the existence of tensions between the francophone and Anglophone communities, attempts at rebellion and insurgency have been successfully contained through political debate and control. Republic of Vemarana The “Santo Rebellion” lasted 3 months on northern island of Espiritu Santo just prior to independence when secessionists declared “Republic of Vemarana” in May 1980. And seized control of island, captured the Police Station at Luganville (13 strong police unit overrun) Papua New Guinea military units aided by small Vanuatu Mobile Unit crushed rebellion after armed clashes with rebels. Nagriamel Movement Was led by the flamboyant Jimmy Stevens, leader of Nagriamel Movement with French colonial settler support and support from rightwing US business interests in the “Phoenix Foundation.” It also included French trained “Maquis” Melanesian secessionists.

“Nagriamel Movement” established in 1960s as a land rights religious/political movement with several hundred armed members armed with clubs, bows & arrows, bolt action hunting rifles, shotguns and dynamite. The rebellion was crushed by the British and French prior to independence. Republic of Tafea Declared on southern island of Tanna in 1980 (area 400 square km , population 8000) by 300 “John Frum” cargo cult members armed with rifles and shotguns. Crushed by government forces in June 1980 with 1 rebel killed The John Frum Cargo Cult was established in 1941 and based on Tanna island.

Non-State Paramilitary Forces None.

Insurgent Groups None.

Terrorist Groups None.

Defence Industry There are no defence production capabilities in Vanuatu.

Procurement The Pacific Patrol Craft underwent a life extension programme in 2004 to keep it in service until 2017. China has recently supplied 2 smaller craft for maritime surveillance that are presumably both smaller and cheaper to operate. France has recently supplied the VMF with new assault rifles. The overall state of equipment is reported as poor. In addition Vanuatu is lacking in Light Armoured Vehicles, Artillery, Light Weapons, Aircraft & Helicopters.