Wale's new govt takes shape amid shifting political loyalties in the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved quickly to lock in his government, completing a full 24-member Cabinet just days after taking office in Honiara.

Wale succeeded Jeremiah Manele, who was removed from office after a vote of no confidence after two years in the role.

Sixteen ministers were sworn in at Government House on Sunday by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu. They join seven others who were appointed earlier: Francis Sade (Deputy Prime Minister and Public Service), Ricky Fuo'o (Infrastructure), Harry Kuma (Commerce), Frederick Kologeto (Communication), Clezy Rore (Justice), Franklyn Derek Wasi (Agriculture), and James Bonunga (Culture and Tourism).

The final line-up brings together some of the country’s most recognisable political figures as the new administration looks to steady itself after a closely fought change in leadership.

Several of the ministers named in the new Cabinet were among the 19 MPs who crossed the floor to help bring down the Manele government.

The group, made up of former government ministers and backbench MPs, joined forces with Wale’s opposition to form the new governing majority.

Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who was replaced after losing a vote of no confidence in Parliament, ending his time in office after around two years in leadership. Photo/ Photo/Solomon Islands government

Wale said his team is now ready to get to work. “We are complete and ready to work,” he said in a statement.

The Cabinet includes a mix of senior former leaders and long-serving MPs in key portfolios that will shape the government’s early direction.

Gordon Darcy Lilo takes on Finance and Treasury, which puts him at the centre of efforts to manage public spending and economic pressure.

Senior ministers under Prime Minister Wale include Ricky Nelson Houenipwelaing, left, Gordon Darcy Lilo, and Peter Kenilorea Jnr, right. Photo/Solomon Islands Parliament

Foreign Affairs and External Trade goes to Ricky Nelson Houenipwela. This is a key role as the government sets its regional and international tone.

Both Lilo and Houenipwela were former prime ministers and are now helping to bring together the wider group of MPs behind Wale's leadership.

In planning and development coordination, the job has gone to Peter Kenilorea Junior while veteran politician Manasseh Maelanga is now responsible for Home Affairs.

Kenilorea Jnr was central to shaping the new coalition deal, which brought together MPs who later moved to form the new governing majority.

Other major portfolios include Morris Toiraena in Health, Stephen Kumi in Education, and John Tuhaika Junior in Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Climate and environment responsibilities go to Wayne Osopo Ghemu while fisheries, another vital sector for the Solomons’ economy, will be led by Polycarp Paea.

The government also appointed ministers to areas seen as central to rural development and community services. These include lands, provincial government, forestry, mining, and women, youth, and family affairs.

The full line-up signals an attempt to balance experience with regional and political representation as Prime Minister Wale builds a team capable of managing both national priorities and local expectations.

The appointments come at a sensitive political moment and the shift has changed the balance of power and raised questions about long-term stability.

The new Cabinet will be closely watched for unity and discipline especially in the early weeks of government when policy direction and internal trust are still being tested.

Attention is also turning to how effectively the mix of senior figures and new ministers can work together. Several of those appointed have previously held top positions in government, which raises the expectations of experience but also scrutiny over past performance.

The government is expected to meet soon to set its immediate priorities and decide on its official name.

Notably missing from the new Cabinet is former foreign affairs and trade minister in the Manele government, Peter Shanel Agovaka, who did not feature in the final line-up.

But the focus is now on moving from political negotiations to delivery with pressure high to show early results in a country where economic challenges and service delivery remain key concerns.

Wale’s task will be to keep his coalition intact, manage a reshaped parliament, and prove that his new Cabinet can hold steady beyond the politics of formation.

Former Manele government minister Peter Shanel Agovaka and a key defection to the opposition is notably absent from Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s new Cabinet line-up. Photo/RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins