Solomon Islands Unrest

Commissioner Manning said members of the PNG contingent to the Solomon Islands have acted properly and within the confines of law.

Allegations were raised on social media that PNG Defence Force personnel allegedly forced entry into a home and assaulted a man in the presence of his wife and daughter.

The SPPKF idea was the brainchild of Sir Julius after his government successfully executed the granting of Independence for Vanuatu in 1980.

In his recollection of the proposal, Governor Chan said it was put forward to the Pacific Island’s Forum in 1981.

“We proposed for the formation of the South Pacific Peace Keeping force to help prevent any disorder in countries in the Pacific, if invited by heads of the troubled countries to assist,” he said.

However, Sir Julius said, Australia and New Zealand were not keen to support the proposal at the time.

Protesters in the Solomon Islands tried to storm the personal residence of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Friday, setting a building nearby on fire. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds as riots rocked the nation’s capital for the third straight day.

He said this yesterday, November 24 after receiving a call from Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, on protests and vandalism by protestors in Papua New Guinea’s closest Melanesian neighbour.

PM Marape in February 2020, signed bilateral agreements with PM Sogavare to strengthen relations between the two countries during an official visit to Honiara.

“The Solomon Islands has helped PNG during the Bougainville Crisis, something for which we are grateful to this day,” he said.