The Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has defeated a motion of no confidence by 32 votes to 15 with two abstentions.
It was moved by the leader of the opposition Matthew Wale after major political unrest in the capital last month saw three days of rioting, looting and burning of businesses and properties in Honiara.
The leader of the opposition in Solomon Islands parliament, Matthew Wale. Photo: Parliament Media
During the debate on the motion Wale made multiple allegations of corruption against the prime minister, accusing Sogavare of using money from foreign loggers and China to secure his support in the house.
The Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare Photo:
In response, Sogavare challenged him to prove them in court.
"I'm willing to face justice Mr Speaker. I'm very willing if the leader of the Opposition can prove the allegation against me. No one is above the law.
"As a matter of fact Mr Speaker that is the easiest way to remove the Prime Minister, no need to burn all the shops. no need for looting things...the easiest way Mr Speaker," he said.
Red Cross takes cautious approach amid political tension
The Red Cross Society in the Solomon Islands is responding cautiously to the humanitarian crisis brought on by recent political unrest.
Chinatown in Honiara, where buildings were torched Photo: Georgina Kekea
Red Cross secretary-general in the Solomons Clement Manuri said they are working closely with the authorities and other aid agencies to ensure the safety of volunteers and members of the public.
"Everything is unpredictable. We have the motion of no confidence. It's good for them to stay at home and not come into the streets. That's when things can get worse, when the streets are full. So it's good for them to remain at home."
Manuri said the Red Cross has yet to reach many affected areas in the city because of restrictions on movement including a nightly curfew.
Volunteers will be deployed once the assessments of affected areas are completed.
"The challenge now is to really get information from these IDPs. We're struggling from day one to register and making sure we know of the numbers. We do not know the location of others so it's a challenge we are facing."
Manuri said they were working with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva to get more donors to assist with the humanitarian crisis in the Solomons.
"What will happen after the assessments is we will be distributing non-food items, if that is one need raised by this IDP - International Displaced People. We have stocks of kitchen sets, hygiene kits that we normally distribute during this kind of situation."
NZ naval ship enroute to Solomons
A New Zealand naval ship Up to 60 New Zealand Defence Force personnel, drawn mainly from Army, have been deployed to Solomon Islands.
The contingent includes command elements, an infantry platoon group, a female engagement team who will assist with community outreach, logistics support, a medical team to support deployed personnel, and an engineer advisor.
HMNZS Wellington left on Monday night. She will provide reassurance to Solomon Islands people by providing a visible maritime patrol presence and also, if requested by Solomon Islands authorities, will be able to assist with embarking Royal Solomon Islands Police Force or other partner nations' authorised personnel to conduct boarding and inspections of suspicious vessels.
They are working under New Zealand national command in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, coordinating and liaising closely with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force.
All personnel are fully vaccinated.
