Political turmoil in the Solomon Islands as former prime minister leads mass resignations

In a surprising turn of events, 10 members of the Solomon Islands Parliament, including former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, have stepped down from the coalition government.

The Government House confirmed the announcement on Wednesday.

The coalition, known as the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), is made up of three political parties: OUR, the Solomon Islands People’s First Party, and Kadere.

Following the mass resignations, local media reports that efforts are underway to form a new coalition.

The Secretary to Government House, Rawcliffe Ziza, confirmed in a statement that they received 11 resignation letters, but one MP, Justice Clezy Rore, who is also the Minister of Justice, later decided to stay.

Among those who resigned are cabinet ministers like Sogavare, who managed Finance and Treasury, Infrastructure Development, Rollen Seleso from Rural Development, Nester Ghiro of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and Freda Tuki, who was in charge of Women, Youth, and Children's Affairs.

Several backbenchers also resigned, including Claudius Te'eifi (West Kwaio), Stanley Sofu (East Kwaio), William Marau (Ulawa/Ugi), James Bonuga (Temotu Pele), and Lazarus Rima (East Central Guadalcanal).

Ziza, who represents East Central Guadalcanal, shared on social media that the Governor-General accepted the resignations and "thanked them for their services to the state".

"The backbenchers have written their resignations to the PM."

Solomon Islands' Minister for Women, Youth, and Children's Affairs, Freda Tuki, centre, is among the shock resignations from the government this week. Photo/file

The mass resignations came after Sogavare announced on Tuesday his intention to leave the GNUT and join forces with political opponents to form a new coalition.

With the changes, a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is now set to take place.

If this vote passes, the Solomon Islands could have a new leader installed by next week. The vote is scheduled for 6 May in parliament.

The GNUT was created to unite different political parties to tackle national issues collectively, bringing various viewpoints and strengths together to benefit all citizens.

Sogavare has claimed that his new coalition has enough support to remove Manele, who was previously the foreign minister under Sogavare's administration.

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Mathew Wale, left, has backed former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare's move to oust his successor Jeremiah Manele. Photo/solomons.gov.sb

A statement from the group supporting Sogavare revealed that they believe they have a majority in parliament and that more members are considering resigning from the government.

If the new coalition succeeds in the no-confidence vote, Manele will be replaced.

The statement also indicated support from long-time opposition leader Matthew Wale and political leader Peter Kenilorea Jr, who ran against Manele in the last election.

Wale called for Manele to step down in parliament on Monday.

Media reports suggest that another former prime minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, is backing the new coalition as well. Lilo has already filed a no-confidence motion against Manele. In December, Lilo withdrew his motion, citing a lack of support.

Watch Jeremiah Manele's address to parliament following a no-confidence motion filed against the Solomons' Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Manele has called for calm during this turbulent period. He addressed parliament, emphasising the importance of respecting the democratic process. He said that the no-confidence motion has been noticed, and "it is important that we deal with this."

"I think there is some sense of urgency given to the current situation.

"I would like to appeal to the good people of Solomon Islands, including those in Honiara, to remain calm and respect the democratic process that will be underway, including on Tuesday, 6 May, when the motion of no confidence is moved.

"I will not step down before [the vote on] that date," the prime minister says.