There are claims that Samoa's new Police Powers Bill, which would allow armed foreign intervention, is being driven by Australia.
The country's umbrella of non governmental organisations, or SUNGO, says not only does Australia fund the police headquarters in Apia but the legislation was drafted by an Australian consultant.
SUNGO has called on the national council of churches to back its opposition to the new bill, which would also see local police armed when necessary.
SUNGO's vice president, Vaasiliifiti Moelagi Jackson, says arming police could see them take on the army's role.
And she says Samoa, like its Pacific neighbours, should solve its own problems.
"Look at PNG, the Solomon Islands, the intervention of army is not solving the problem. Look at Fiji, they have ignored the culture all this time, because they depended upon the army. I think we are cultivating another opportunity for another Rabuka, another Bainimarama, in our country."
SUNGO says the passing of the bill should be delayed and a referendum held on it.
