2023 Solomon Islands protests

Last updated
2023 Solomon Islands protests
DateFebruary 2023
Location
Solomon Islands
Caused byRemoval of Daniel Suidani as Premier of Malaita Province
MethodsProtests

In February 2023, protests broke out in the Solomon Islands.

Contents

Background

The country previously was hit by mass unrest and deadly riots in November 2021. [1] The Guadalcanal Landowner Defendant Force (GLODF) threatened to protest during the 2023 Pacific Games. [2] The Solomon Islands has recently been deepening ties with China over their historic primary ally the United States. [3] This was a concern of Australia and the Biden Administration. [4]

Events

On 2 February 2023, the United States reopened its embassy in the country after a 30-year absence. [5] On 7 February 2023, Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani was removed from office after a vote of no confidence from the provincial legislature. [6] [7] [8] Suidani had pushed for independence from the central government. [9] As premier he did not recognise the One China Policy of the government. [10] Under Suidani, Malaita's provincial assembly opposed the diplomatic switch to from Taiwan to the PRC. [11] Suidani was accused of misappropriating funds. [12] His supporters stated that his criticism of China was the reason for his removal. [13]

As a result, protests were held in Auki. [14] The protests were in Malaita province. [15] There were reports of police teargassing protesters. [16]

Consequences

Suidani was succeeded by Martin Fini. [17] The April 2024 Solomon Islands general election was considered important for China–United States relations. [18] In October 2024, Daniel Suidani was arrested and charged in relation to unlawful protests. [19]

References

  1. ↑ "Solomon Islands violence recedes but not underlying tension". AP NEWS. 2021-11-26. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  2. ↑ Brennan, Eliott (17 April 2022). "Group threatens protests during Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games over unreturned land". insidethegames.
  3. ↑ Power, John; Hale, Erin (1 September 2023). "China's 'replica' guns for Solomon Islands likely real, US cable claimed". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  4. ↑ "Australia 'concerned' by China-Solomon Islands policing deal". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  5. ↑ "Solomon Islands: US reopens embassy in push to counter China". BBC News. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  6. ↑ "Solomon Islands ousts official critical of close relations with China". Reuters. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  7. ↑ "Protests in Solomon Islands after China-skeptic's ousting". www.abc.net.au. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  8. ↑ Hale, Erin. "In the Solomon Islands, a US agency's struggles hint at China's influence". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  9. ↑ "Solomons govt says Malaita independence referendum illegal". RNZ. 2020-09-07. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  10. ↑ "Solomon Islands govt dismisses anti-China ex-provincial leader". RNZ. 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  11. ↑ "Solomon Islands politician critical of China relations ousted as Malaita premier". Radio Free Asia. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  12. ↑ "Vocal China critic and Solomon Islands Premier faces political crisis". ABC Pacific. 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  13. ↑ "China-sceptic leader of Solomon Islands largest province removed". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  14. ↑ Piringi, Charley (2023-02-07). "Protests in Solomon Islands as key China critic politician is ousted in no confidence vote". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  15. ↑ "Solomon Islands: Protests around Malaita province no-confidence vote dispersed while nurses' union remains suspended". Civicus Monitor. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  16. ↑ "Unrest in Solomon Islands after prominent China critic Daniel Suidani ousted as provincial premier". ABC News. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  17. ↑ Iroga, Robert (2023-02-10). "Fini New Premier Of Malaita After Waneta Withdraws From Race — Solomon Business Magazine" . Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  18. ↑ "Solomon Islands: The Pacific election being closely watched by China and the West". BBC News. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  19. ↑ "Ex-Solomon Islands provincial leader and China critic charged for organising unlawful protests". RNZ. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
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