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The Tensions
Commonly referred to as the tensions or the ethnic tension, the initial civil
unrest was mainly characterised by fighting between the Isatabu Freedom Movement
(also known as the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army) and the Malaita Eagle Force
(as well as the Marau Eagle Force). (Although much of the conflict was between
Guales and Malaitans, Kabutaulaka (2001) and Dinnen (2002) argue that the
'ethnic conflict' label is an oversimplification). For detailed discussions of
The Tensions, see also Fraenkel (2004) and Moore (2004).
In late 1998, militants on the island of Guadalcanal commenced a campaign of
intimidation and violence towards Malaitan settlers. During the next year,
thousands of Malaitans fled back to Malaita or to the capital Honiara (which,
although situated on Guadalcanal, is predominantly populated by Malaitans and
Solomon Islanders from other provinces). In 1999, the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF)
was established in response.
The reformist government of Bartholomew Ulufa'alu struggled to respond to the
complexities of this evolving conflict. In late 1999, the government declared a
four month state of emergency. There were also a number of attempts at
reconciliation ceremonies but to no avail. He also requested assistance from
Australia and New Zealand in 1999 but this was rejected.
In June 2000, Ulufa'alu was kidnapped by militia members of the MEF who felt
that although he was a Malaitan, he was not doing enough to protect their
interests. Ulufa'alu subsequently resigned in exchange for his release. Manasseh
Sogavare, who had earlier been Finance Minister in Ulufa'alu's government but
had subsequently joined the opposition, was elected as Prime Minister by 23-21
over Rev. Leslie Boseto. However Sogavare's election was immediately shrouded in
controversy because six MPs (thought to be supporters of Boseto) were unable to
attend parliament for the crucial vote (Moore 2004, n.5 on p.174).
New Zealand's air force returns to Henderson field as part of the RAMSI forceIn
October 2000, the Townsville Peace Agreement , was signed by the Malaita Eagle
Force, elements of the IFM and the Solomon Islands Government. This was closely
followed by the Marau Peace agreement in February 2001, signed by the Marau
Eagle Force, the Isatabu Freedom Movement, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government
and the Solomon Islands Government. However, a key Guale militant leader, Harold
Keke, refused to sign the Agreement causing a split with the Guale groups.
Subsequently, Guale signatories to the Agreement led by Andrew Te'e joined with
the Malaitan-dominated police to form the 'Joint Operations Force'. During the
next two years the conflict moved to the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal as the
Joint Operations unsuccessfully attempted to capture Keke and his group.
New elections in December 2001 brought Sir Allan Kemakeza into the Prime
Minister’s chair with the support of his People's Alliance Party and also the
Association of Independent Members. Law and order deteriorated as the nature of
the conflict shifted: there was continuing violence on the Weathercoast whilst
militants in Honiara increasingly turned their attention to crime and extortion.
The Department of Finance would often be surrounded by armed men when funding
was due to arrive. In December 2002, Finance Minister Laurie Chan resigned after
being forced at gunpoint to sign a cheque made out to some of the militants.
Conflict also broke out in Western Province between locals and Malaitan
settlers. Renegade members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) were
invited in as a protection force but ended up causing as much trouble as they
prevented.
The prevailing atmosphere of lawlessness, widespread extortion and ineffective
police prompted a formal request by the Solomon Islands Government for outside
help. With the country bankrupt and the capital in chaos, the request was
unanimously supported in Parliament.
In July 2003, Australian and Pacific Island police and troops arrived in the
Solomon Islands under the auspices of the Australian-led Regional Assistance
Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). A sizable international security
contingent of 2,200 police and troops, led by Australia and New Zealand, and
with representatives from about 20 other Pacific nations began arriving the next
month under Operation Helpem Fren. Since this time some commentators have
considered the country a failed state.
In April 2006 allegations that the newly elected Prime Minister Snyder Rini had
used bribes from Chinese businessmen to buy the votes of members of Parliament
led to mass rioting in the capital Honiara. A deep underlying resentment against
the minority Chinese business community led to much of Chinatown in the city
being destroyed. Tensions had also been increased by the belief that large sums
of money were being exported to China. China sent chartered aircraft to evacuate
hundreds of Chinese who fled to avoid the riots. Evacuation of Australian and
British citizens was on a much smaller scale. Further Australian, New Zealand
and Fijian troops were dispatched to try to quell the unrest. Rini eventually
resigned before facing a motion of no-confidence in Parliament, and Parliament
elected Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister.
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