Solomon Islands PM Wale rushes home after no-confidence motion filed

Prime Minister Matthew Wale cut short his trip to Palau and returned to Honiara after a no-confidence motion was filed against him in the Solomon Islands Parliament.

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The Motion follows concerns that the Prime Minister has repeatedly made decisions on matters of national importance without properly consulting Cabinet or obtaining its approval.

The motion came from East Malaita MP and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga. He accused Wale of repeatedly making decisions on matters of national importance without consulting Cabinet or obtaining its approval.

Maelanga said the motion reflected a commitment to democratic institutions and stable, transparent and accountable government. He also rejected claims that the challenge aimed to derail ongoing investigations.

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I have taken this step with confidence in our democratic institutions and a firm commitment to stable, transparent and accountable government.

Wale had travelled to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting as the forum’s current chair. He was expected to hand the chairmanship to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. After learning of the motion on arrival, Wale told a Solomon Islands journalist, “When I go, I will tell you more.” He left Palau in the early hours of the following day.

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When I go, I will tell you more.

Local media described the move as an “internal coalition revolt” and reported possible resignations by ministers and lawmakers in the governing GREAT Coalition. Pacific security and geopolitics expert Anna Powles called the timing “deeply unfortunate.”

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deeply unfortunate