Manasseh Damukana Sogavare Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Date of Birth: 17.01.1955

Content:

1. Manasseh Sogavare
2. Political Journey
3. First Prime Minister Term (2000-2001)
4. Coalition Building and Ministerial Experience (2002-2006)
5. Second Prime Minister Term (2006-2007)
6. Tensions with Australia and No Confidence Vote (2006)
7. Third Prime Minister Term (2007-2008)
8. Return to Power (2014-2017)
9. Fourth Prime Minister Term (2019-Present)

Manasseh Sogavare

Background and Early Career

Manasseh Sogavare was born on January 17, 1955, in Tagibangara village, Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Management, and Economics. Prior to entering politics, Sogavare held positions such as Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, and Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.

Political Journey

Sogavare entered Parliament in 1997 as the member for East Choiseul. In 1997, he became Minister of Finance and Treasury under Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu. However, he was dismissed from this position in mid-July 1998 amidst allegations of authoritarianism and hypocrisy by Ulufa'alu.

In September 1998, Sogavare became Deputy Leader of the Opposition. After the death of opposition leader Solomon Mamaloni in 2000, he was elected Leader of the Opposition.

First Prime Minister Term (2000-2001)

Following Ulufa'alu's resignation in the wake of a rebellion, Sogavare was elected Prime Minister in June 2000. He was re-elected in the 2001 general elections but resigned in December 2001 after his party won only three parliamentary seats.

Coalition Building and Ministerial Experience (2002-2006)

Sogavare served as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Legislation in 2002 and from 2005 to April 2006. He led the People's Progressive Party and formed a coalition with the Solomon Islands Social Credit Party to unseat Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza. However, disagreements arose within the coalition over who should be the next Prime Minister.

Second Prime Minister Term (2006-2007)

After failing to secure the Prime Ministership in April 2006, Sogavare supported Rini, who was subsequently elected. He joined Rini's coalition as Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Employment.

Following Rini's resignation in April 2006, Sogavare contested the Prime Ministership again. He won with 28 votes on May 4, defeating his primary opponent, Fred Fono.

Tensions with Australia and No Confidence Vote (2006)

In September 2006, Sogavare expelled Australian High Commissioner Patrick Cole and supported the suspended Attorney-General Julian Moti, who was wanted in Australia on child rape charges. A motion of no confidence against Sogavare was defeated in October 2006.

Third Prime Minister Term (2007-2008)

Sogavare faced another no-confidence vote in December 2007 and was defeated. He remained in office as caretaker Prime Minister until December 20, when Derek Sikua was elected as the new Prime Minister. Sogavare became Leader of the Opposition on the same day.

Return to Power (2014-2017)

Sogavare was re-elected Prime Minister in the 2014 parliamentary elections. However, he lost another vote of no confidence in November 2017, citing his anti-corruption efforts as the reason for his removal.

Fourth Prime Minister Term (2019-Present)

Following the 2019 elections, Sogavare became Prime Minister for the fourth time. In September 2019, his government established diplomatic relations with China, severing ties with Taiwan. This decision drew disapproval from the United States.

In November 2021, protests against Sogavare's government erupted in Honiara. Protesters from the island of Malaita demanded his resignation and accused the government of neglecting their region. Rioting and arson led to the intervention of Australian, Papua New Guinean, and Fijian security forces.

Solomon islands