Politics Archive December 2021

His Excellency (HE) Ambassador LI Ming present his speech during the handing over program last night.

China Hands Over Riot Gear to Police

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially received riot gears and equipment from China during a handing over ceremony at Henderson International Airport last night.
Prime Minister Sogavare says that based on early assessments it is likely that the infection from the passenger who arrived from Fiji may be Delta while the one who returned from Dubai may be the Omicron.

Suspected Omicron and Delta Cases Detected in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands has lost its COVID-19 status after two returning passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
This riot equipment that will be flown into the country includes shields, helmets, batons and other non lethal gears that will further enhance Solomon Islands Police ability in confronting future threats.

Government Accepts China's Offer to Assist Police As Normalcy Returns

The Government and people of Solomon Islands reiterate heartfelt thoughts to all impacted by last month’s civil unrest.
Mr Robo says both suspects are facing a count of arson.

Teenagers Arrested for Burning Parliament Leaf Hut During Unrest

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Central Police Station have arrested two alleged suspects on 19 December 2021 for burning down a leaf hut at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
The Department of Defence said some Australian military personnel would remain to provide "command, communications, logistics and air movement" support to the joint peacekeeping effort with police.

Australian Peacekeepers Winding Down as Normalcy Returns to Honiara

A contingent of foreign peacekeepers deployed to the crisis-hit Solomon Islands will begin to return home, the Australian government said.
“We will scale down the military presence across the nations but we will have forces on standby if necessary and the police-led effort will continue.”

Armed Forces to Remain on Standby

While military presence will be scaled down in Honiara, Solomon Islands, contingents from the Fijian, Australian and New Zealand armed forces will remain on standby to ensure stability in the island nation.
The codes that guided our chiefs and traditional leaders predate all the systems that we currently have. So, can we look back at our past and find an indigenous solution? But the question than becomes which indigenous solution?

An Indigenous Solution to the Current Crises

The current political impasse between the government, the opposition group and Suidani’s provincial government requires an indigenous solution. But which indigenous solution?
China, Wang said, stands firmly with the government and people of Solomon Islands, firmly supports the Solomon Islands government's efforts to maintain domestic stability, and firmly safeguards bilateral relations as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in country.

China and Solomon Islands Foreign Ministers Talk Over Phone on Ties

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeremiah Manele held a phone conversation on bilateral ties and cooperation on Thursday.
Today, the global political landscape has shifted, and countries that are sensitive to such shifts in thinking adjust accordingly.

State Diplomacy: When Love and Hate Collide

In all matters concerning State diplomacy domestic considerations come first. At its core is this one guiding principle: foreign policy is an extension of one’s domestic policy.
He pointed out that he is hopeful that the new state government system will still build a united country even though, resource wise, other provinces are more ready than few others.

Sogavare Hopeful State Government System Will Keep Country United

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare says he is hopeful the call for the introduction of a state government system will result in a united Solomon Islands.
PPC Ake says, “Her aunty called the victim and told her to go and buy a dry coconut fruit at a nearby canteen. The suspect allegedly called the victim and pulled her into his house and raped her.”

12 Year Old Girl Raped, Suspect in Custody

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station have arrested a 29-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl at the Lungga farm in Central Guadalcanal on 4 December 2021.
"As a close friend, neighbour and partner to Solomon Islands, we will always support our Pacific Family in the face of challenges."

Australian High Commission, AFP, ADF and RSIPF Meet With NCW

"The needs and rights of women and girls are a key priority in our response to the recent civil unrest," the Australian High Commission said.
A spokeswoman from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) on Wednesday said about 20 Defence personnel had returned from the Solomons already, after less than two weeks away.

Kiwi Defence Force Personnel Return Home as Tensions Ease

Some New Zealand military personnel deployedas part of the international assistance mission to the Solomon Islands have returned home early.
"We would like to assure the public that to date there has not been any COVID-19 positive case detected amongst the defence and police personnel including their officials."

Negative COVID-19 Test Results for Defence and Police Personnel

Around 200 defence and police personnel deployed in Honiara to assist with restoration of law and order have successfully completed their 10 and 14 days period of health monitoring with all COVID-19 test results returning negative.
He was released yesterday on bail and will appear before the Honiara Central Magistrate on the 2nd of February 2022.

Police Charge Kwaita with Unlawful Public Assembly

By Samson Sade
United Party president John Kwaita has been charged with unlawful public assembly, in breach of COVID-19 rules under the current state of public emergency.
Mr Kwaita was arrested late yesterday and was released late evening today after being interviewed by the police. It is understood no formal charges have been laid.

United Party President Released by Police

By Samson Sade
President of the United Party, John Kwaita, has been released by the police.
U.S. ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Erin McKee, during a visit to the Solomon Islands.

US Ambassador Warns of Aid that Benefits One Person, One Party and One Bank Account

The U.S. ambassador to the Solomon Islands Erin McKee has warned Pacific Islands against "aid that benefits one person, one party and one bank account" - remarks that come after the Solomons were beset with riots last month blamed in part on discontent with China.
Despite the return of normalcy to Honiara, police and the visiting peacekeeping force are keeping a close watch on movements in and out of the city.

Police Investigates Threats of Attack on Capital

The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says there is an active investigation into alleged threats of a “second wave attack” on the capital Honiara.
Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr. and United Party President Mr. John Kwaita.

Police Arrest United Party Leader

By Samson Sade
John Kwaita, President of the United Party, was arrested last night and currently in police custody.
The celebrations will take place at the John F Kennedy Stadium and the Prime Minister will be the chief guest at the ceremony.

PM Travels to Western Province for Second Appointed Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation have arrived in Western Province today, one day ahead of Western Province’s second appointed day celebrations tomorrow.
Despite the lifting of the curfew there will still be strong police presence in Honiara to ensure peace and security is maintained.

Governor General Lifts Curfew

The curfew imposed in Honiara has been lifted commencing today 10 December 2021 by the Governor-General of Solomon Islands.
“What happened show a clear picture that our leaders are very corrupt and they fail to address what people of this nation are crying for.”

Chief Calls on Guadalcanal Leaders to Push for Federal System

By Jimmy Nolan
A local Chief from Guadalcanal has called on elected representatives from Guadalcanal at the provincial and national level to work together and push for the introduction of a federal system in Solomon Islands.
“Excessive restrictions on civic freedoms imposed by the government under the guise of preventing COVID-19 led to the downgrade of the Solomon Islands," CIVICUS Asia-Pacific Civic Space researcher Josef Benedict said.

Solomon Islands' Civic Freedoms Downgraded to 'Narrowed'

Restrictions to media freedoms, access to information and the right to protest have hurt Solomon Islanders' civil rights, according to a new report.
Maelanga said that there is room to discuss and dialogue on decentralization or the devolution of powers, but not on independence.

Independence Agenda Dividing Malaita: Maelanga

Deputy Prime Minister and MP for East Malaita, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, says Malaita’s push for independence is dividing the province and its people.
A Defence Force spokesman said it would arrive in the waters of the Solomons later in the week, where it would take over patrolling from an Australian ship.

New Zealand Navy Ship Deployed to Solomon Islands

By George Block (Stuff.co.nz)
New Zealand has deployed a navy ship to the Solomon Islands to help peacekeeping efforts after political unrest in the capital, Honiara.
“We know that Parliament is here to look at laws, and we have heard that it is because of coronavirus that we have not done many laws, except passing one on the sim card registration,” Kenilorea said.

We Are Not Doing Enough As Lawmakers: Kenilorea

By Samson Sade
The Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says the government should work at getting more Bills to Parliament. This statement was made during his contribution to the motion of sine die.
He calls on MPs in government and the public to respect reconciliation, citing false accusations being made suggesting that the reconciliation held in Malaita was a pretext for the riots that happened in Honiara.

Kenilorea Rejects Any Notion of Involvement in Unrest

Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says he rejects any notions that he or his colleagues in the opposition bench were involved in the recent unrest.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their positive behaviour during the Motion of No Confidence,” Commissioner of RSIPF Mr. Mostyn Mangau said.

Police Commends Public for Good Behaviour During Parliament Sitting

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) commends the community for the good behaviour shown during the Motion of no Confidence against the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday, (6 December 2021) with no reported disturbances in Honiara.
Taiwan's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou.

Taiwan Denies Involvement in Solomon Islands Riots

Taiwan's government has denied any involvement in the recent protest and riots in the Solomon Islands.
Suidani says that his government will not remain silent, and the people of Malaita will not remain silent. He says he will continue to speak up for the people and interest of Malaita province.

Premier Suidani Calls for Self Autonomy for Malaita

By Samson Sade
Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani has made a public call for self autonomy.
32 MPs voted against the motion and 15 MPs in support of the motion.

Sogavare Defeats Motion

Members of Parliament have defeated the motion being tabled by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale. Those that voted in favor of the motion was 15, those that voted against the motion was 32 with 2 MPs abstained from voting.
Wale also says that the Prime Minister’s deceptive leadership has also resulted in deep divisions in the country when he decided to switch recognition from Taiwan to China.

Wale Critical of Sogavare’s Leadership Style

Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale says that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has been insincere in his dealings with certain segments of Malaita and its Premier Daniel Suidani.
He says what transpired over the past week was an attempted coup, promoted by foreign agents, and not in the best interest of the country.

Sogavare Says He is a Defender of Democracy

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged those in government that have remained firm despite pressure from rioters for them to resign in the past week.
Tanangada says that investment in education has increased substantially under the current government.

MP Lanelle Tanangada Speaks Against Motion

The MP for Gizo/Kolombangara and Minister of Education Lanelle Tanangada has spoken against the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Philip says that he speaks on behalf of those silent majority that are against violence.

"Leadership Should Not Come from Ashes of Riots," Danny Philip

By Samson Sade
Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova/Tetepare Danny Philip has called on leaders not to allow leadership to come from the ashes of riots.
Togamana says that criminal activities should not dictate political outcomes.

Togamana and Tovosia Defend Government's Record

By Jimmy Nolan
Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and Member of Parliament for Maringe/Kokota Dr Culwick Togamana have defended governments record under the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The MP for Small Malaita says the Prime Minister’s political history shows a leader that is always bogged down on forming and maintaining government, and rewarding those that put him there.

Former Prime Minister Digs Up Sogavare’s Track Record

By Samson Sade
The Member of Parliament of Small Malaita, and former Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela, has dug up the Prime Ministers track record in his contribution on the motion of no confidence before Parliament.
He condemns the looting and criminality that took place, but says the looting at the top of government has resulted in a terrible state of affairs for the country in education, health and other sectors.

Motion in Recognition of Anger Based on Political and Economic Issues: Wale

By Samson Sade
The Opposition Leader says the motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister is in recognition of the anger on longstanding political issues.
Shops at the foothills of Parliament this morning.

Honiara Shuts Down Ahead of No-confidence Vote

By Jimmy Nolan
An air of uncertainty fills the air, a cloud of darkness hovers across the nation’s capital Honiara.
As to who has the numbers is anyone’s guess, although sources say if it were a conscious vote Sogavare would not have the numbers to survive the vote.

Decision Day for Sogavare’s Government

By Samson Sade
After the looting and burning of Honiara the democratic process will now test the Sogavare led government’s mandate to lead.
Damages to the building infrastructures through burning and looting are estimated to be around SBD$306 million.

Half a Billion Dollars: Unrest Damages Higher Than Initial Assessment

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has updated its initial assessment on the cost of the damage of the riot on the local economy.
PS Beck further reiterated that under the Australia Solomon Islands partnership on labour mobility programme, there are shared “Here to Work” values that all candidates are expected to uphold.

Applicants for Seasonal Work Involved in Unrest Will be Removed

The Labour Mobility Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is urging all seasonal worker program candidates to remain focus as they prepare to undertake the employment opportunity in Australia.
If leaders continue to play politics, rioters and looters will continue to riot and loot - it is the hallmark of instability.

Politics of Hate and Division

People are tired of the claims and counter claims, accusations and counter-accusations, it is tiring and not helpful for a country seeking to heal.
"We are deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest and rioting in Honiara, and following yesterday's request of the Solomon Islands government, we have moved quickly to provide urgent assistance," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

New Zealand Forces Coming to Solomon Islands

The New Zealand government has confirmed that it will be deploying dozens of Defence Force and police personnel to Honiara tommorow to help restore peace and stability.
Solomon Islands academic, Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, says that the cease in violence will enable Solomon Island leaders to engage in dialogue, which is important going forward.

Cease in Violence an Opportunity for Dialogue

By Samson Sade
The regional intervention force led by Australia has returned normalcy and peace to the capital, Honiara.

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