Distribution of Chinese funds by Solomon Islands PM raises questions

By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s workplace distributed Chinese language authorities cash to 39 out of fifty members of parliament twice final 12 months, a price range committee was informed, prompting criticism the funds have been politically motivated.

Prime Minister Manesseh Sogavare, who switched the Islands’ diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, survived a vote of no confidence final December after lethal anti-government riots noticed buildings burnt within the capital, Honiara.

Earlier than the no-confidence vote, opposition chief Matthew Wale accused Sogavare of utilizing cash from China in a nationwide fund to prop up his place.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s Workplace mentioned SBD20.9 million ($2.49 million) was supplied by China for a fund spent on the prime minister’s discretion in 2021, and two tranches of funds have been made to 39 lawmakers in November and December.

A request for SBD9.75 million ($1.16 million), or SBD250,000 per lawmaker, was made on Nov. 22, and distributed equally to the 39 lawmakers, Jimmy Rodgers, secretary to the prime minister, informed a livestreamed committee listening to.

One other fee of SBD831,000, or about SBD20,000 every, was made on Dec. 13, he mentioned.

Rodgers mentioned China had agreed in 2019 to pay the funds to the Prime Minister’s Workplace for 3 years, persevering with a follow established by Taiwan.

Sogavare’s workplace and the Chinese language embassy in Honiara didn’t reply to requests for remark.

In a press release on Wednesday, Sogavare’s workplace rejected allegations it was utilizing cash from China to take care of energy.

The US, Australia and different Pacific international locations have expressed concern a couple of safety pact agreed this 12 months between the Solomon Islands and China, which they are saying has regional implications as China seeks to increase its affect.

Rodgers mentioned assist companions need the system for the allocation of funds reformed so that cash goes to tasks and never politicians’ workplaces.

Former deputy prime minister John Maneniaru mentioned the coverage to distribute cash on the prime minister’s discretion was “not good for unity on this nation”.

“He’s the prime minister for 50 constituencies, not simply that handful of constituencies,” Maneniaru, a committee member, mentioned within the listening to.

Sogavare was elected prime minister of a coalition authorities on the ground of parliament with 34 votes in 2019.

He survived a no-confidence movement in December with the assist of 32 members after an anti-government protest on Nov. 24 led to rioting, which noticed Sogavare search worldwide police assist to revive order.

Sogavare is searching for parliamentary approval to delay elections due in mid-2023.

($1 = 8.4034 Solomon Islands {dollars})

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Enhancing by Robert Birsel)