Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani Ousted in Solomon Islands

Daniel Suidani, a long-time critic of the Solomon Islands central government’s deepening ties with China, was ousted on February 7, after 17 members of the provincial assembly voted to remove him. This has been supported by the national government under the influence of China.” Dr. Tess Newton Cain, senior research fellow and project lead for the Griffith Pacific Hub, told The Diplomat that use of no confidence votes in Solomon Islands is “longstanding” and is often used as a “political tactic.” “There are a number of things at play, including competing business interests who are seeking to influence provincial politics and the use of provincial politics to establish ‘beach heads’ in advance of national elections” due in 2024, she said. Sogavare’s Thorn Since the 2019 diplomatic split from Taiwan – known as “The Switch” – Suidani has been a consistent thorn in the side of Sogavare and his administration, with tensions between Malaita and the national government deteriorating steadily. When describing Suidani’s self-described rejection of Chinese financial overtures, host Paul Murray lauded his bravery, telling viewers, “Thankfully, this bloke said no.” Western Response Chinese investment in the Pacific region has led to a sharp response from Australia and the United States, which both pledged financial aid as well as infrastructure.