Former Solomon Islands PM Mannaseh Sogavare abandons leader, forms new coalition with political rivals
A new coalition of Solomon Islands MPs that includes former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare says it has the numbers to oust the country's sitting prime minister, with a vote of no confidence set for next week.
In moves that will be closely watched in Canberra as Australia heads to a
The new coalition, if it sticks together ahead of Tuesday's vote of no confidence, means Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will be removed as leader.
The new group consists of Mr Sogavare, long-time opposition leader Matthew Wale and prominent political leader Peter Kenilorea Jr.
With them is another former prime minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo.
The new coalition, including Mr Wale (bottom row, fifth from left), Mr Kenilorea Jr (sixth from left) and Mr Darcy Lilo (far right)
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ABC News: supplied
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All four men have a long history in Solomon Islands politics and have often sparred in sometimes vicious debates about the direction of the country and various political policies.
It is unclear who will be leader of the new coalition — and consequently the new prime minister of Solomon Islands — if the new group sticks together.
Mr Sogavare, a bombastic and combative four-time leader of Solomon Islands often dubbed the
Photo shows
A man in glasses and a brown shirt stands at a lectern delivering a speech.
Manasseh Sogavare switched his country's diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China. What does his departure mean for Solomon Islands?
It was a tumultuous period for the country, with parts of the
Yet, Mr Sogavare also had his supporters, and many lauded his role in pushing Solomon Islands to host huge events never seen in the country before, such as the 2023 Pacific Games.
Despite the relative triumph of the Pacific Games, Mr Sogavare was pushed out of the top job following the 2024 Solomon Islands national election, after his party's vote dropped significantly.
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He was replaced by Mr Manele, a long-time diplomat, who has led the country through a period of relative calm.
Yet, many have criticised his government for a lack of action, with some labelling it a "do-nothing" government.
Mr Manele survived a no-confidence motion in December, but rumours have been swirling during the past few weeks about a plot to oust him as leader.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has not spoken publicly since the plot was revealed.
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AFP: Noel Celis
)
The new coalition has not publicly outlined a reason for the move, but local media yesterday reported many MPs were unhappy about the influence and behaviour of deputy prime minister Bradley Tovosia.
Yesterday, Mr Tovosia resigned, a move seen by many as a last-ditch attempt by Mr Manele to keep together his fracturing coalition.
The Solomon Islands parliament was adjourned this morning until Tuesday, when it expected the no confidence vote will be heard.
Mr Manele ignored calls to resign and said he would "face the motion".
The ABC has reached out to members of the new coalition and Prime Minister Manele's office for comment.
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