2021 Solomon Islands unrest

2021 Solomon Islands unrest
2021 Solomon Islands unrest
Date	24–27 November 2021
Location	Solomon Islands
Caused by	Decision by the Solomon Islands Government to switch diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People's Republic of China; Lack of economic development in Solomon Islands; Corruption; Government mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic; Poverty; Lack of job opportunities for local residents; Central government's neglect of infrastructural development on Malaita Island;
Goals	Resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare; Restoration of diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan);
Methods	Protests, riots, arson, looting
Resulted in	Government victory 36-hour lockdown declared in Honiara on 24 November; Buildings adjoining the Solomon Islands Parliament Building burnt down; Deployment of Australian-led military and police forces;
Parties
Solomon Islands Government Royal Solomon Islands Police Force; Australia Australian Army 3rd Brigade; 6th Brigade; 17th Brigade; ; Royal Australian Navy HMAS Armidale; ; Royal Australian Air Force No. 4 Squadron; ; Australian Federal Police; Fiji Republic of Fiji Military Forces; Papua New Guinea Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary; New Zealand New Zealand Army Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment; ; New Zealand Police; Diplomatic support:; People's Republic of China;	Protesters Malaita for Democracy;
Lead figures
	Manasseh Sogavare; Scott Morrison; Frank Bainimarama; James Marape; Jacinda Ardern; No centralised leadership
Casualties and losses
	3 civilians killed

The 2021 Solomon Islands unrest was a series of demonstrations and violent riots in Solomon Islands from 24 to 27 November 2021.

It started off as a peaceful protest against the government's decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China over the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, it turned out violent as protesters attempted to storm Parliament to depose Prime Minister Sogavare. Businesses, mainly in Honiara's Chinatown district, were burnt and looted. A police station was set on fire.

The government responded by deploying the police in which they used tear gas on the protesters. They also requested the Australian Government for support. As a result, Australia deployed the Australian Federal Police and Defence Force. Papua New Guinea and Fiji dispatched peacekeepers while New Zealand deployed police and troops.

Prime Minister Sogavare resisted calls to resign, saying that the decision is upon the floor of parliament. A no confidence motion was signed by an opposition member; however, it was defeated in parliament on 6 December 2021 as lawmakers voted to keep the Prime Minister in power.

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