Solomon Islands PM Wale faces no-confidence motion and cabinet resignations

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is facing a major political crisis following a motion of no confidence and the resignation of three senior cabinet ministers. The challenge was filed by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, who accused Wale of making unilateral decisions on matters of national importance without proper consultation with the Cabinet.

The political upheaval forced Wale to cut short his attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, where he was serving as the outgoing chair. The resignations include Justice Minister Clezy Rore, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma, and Maelanga himself. Media reports have characterized the situation as an ‘internal coalition revolt’ within Wale’s Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) coalition.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticized the timing of the motion, expressing concern that the leadership challenge was moved while the Prime Minister was attending a critical regional event. The instability comes just over 100 days after Wale was elected to office in May.