{{short description|Former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = [[The Honourable]] | name = Manasseh Sogavare | image = Манассе Согаваре (28532489095).jpg | office = [[Ministry of Finance and Treasury (Solomon Islands)|Minister of Finance]] | prime_minister = [[Jeremiah Manele]] | term_start = 6 May 2024 | term_end = 28 April 2025 | predecessor = {{ill|Harry Kuma|ar|هاري كوما}} | successor = Harry Kuma | prime_minister1 = [[Rick Houenipwela]]<br />''Himself'' | term_start1 = 16 November 2017 | term_end1 = 15 November 2019 | predecessor1 = [[John Maneniaru]] | successor1 = Harry Kuma | prime_minister2 = [[Bartholomew Ulufa'alu]] | term_start2 = 24 August 1997 | term_end2 = July 1998 | predecessor2 = Michael Maina | successor2 = Bartholomew Ulufa'alu | office3 = [[Prime Minister of Solomon Islands]] | monarch3 = {{unbulleted list|[[Elizabeth II]]|[[Charles III]]}} | governor-general3 = {{unbulleted list|[[Frank Kabui|Sir Frank Kabui]]|[[David Vunagi|Sir David Vunagi]]}} | deputy3 = [[Manasseh Maelanga]] | term_start3 = 24 April 2019 | term_end3 = 2 May 2024 | predecessor3 = Rick Houenipwela | successor3 = Jeremiah Manele | monarch4 = Elizabeth II | governor-general4 = Sir Frank Kabui | term_start4 = 9 December 2014 | term_end4 = 15 November 2017 | predecessor4 = [[Gordon Darcy Lilo]] | successor4 = Rick Houenipwela | monarch7 = Elizabeth II | governor-general7 = [[Nathaniel Waena|Sir Nathaniel Waena]] | term_start7 = 4 May 2006 | term_end7 = 20 December 2007 | predecessor7 = [[Snyder Rini]] | successor7 = [[Derek Sikua]] | monarch8 = Elizabeth II | governor-general8 = [[John Lapli|Sir John Lapli]] | term_start8 = 30 June 2000 | term_end8 = 17 December 2001 | predecessor8 = [[Bartholomew Ulufa'alu]] | successor8 = [[Allan Kemakeza]] | office9 = {{unbulleted list|[[National Parliament of the Solomon Islands|Member of Parliament]]|for [[East Choiseul constituency|East Choiseul]]}} | term_start9 = 6 August 1997 | predecessor9 = Allan Qurusu | birth_name = Manasseh Damukana Sogavare | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|1|17|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Popondetta]], [[Oro Province|Northern Province]], [[Territory of Papua and New Guinea]] | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = Emmy Sogavare | party = [[Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party|OUR Party]] (2010; since 2019) | caption = Sogavare in 2016 | module = {{Listen |embed=yes | title = Manasseh Sogavare's voice | filename = Manasseh Sogavare voice.ogg | type = speech | description = Recorded 10 July 2023}} | other_party = {{unbulleted list|[[People's Progressive Party (Solomon Islands)|People's Progressive Party]] (2001–2005)|[[Solomon Islands Social Credit Party]] (2005–2009)|Independent (2014–2019)}} }} '''Manasseh Damukana Sogavare''' (born 17 January 1955) is a Solomon Islander politician who served as [[prime minister of Solomon Islands]] for a total of nine years from 2000 to 2001, 2006–2007, 2014–2017, and 2019–2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Clive |date=2022-06-24 |title=Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Perspective |url=https://canzps.georgetown.edu/2022/06/24/solomon-islands-prime-minister-manasseh-sogavare-in-perspective/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412163957/https://canzps.georgetown.edu/2022/06/24/solomon-islands-prime-minister-manasseh-sogavare-in-perspective/ |archive-date=12 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Center for Australian, New Zealand & Pacific Studies |publisher=Walsh School of Foreign Service {{!}} Georgetown University |language=en-US}}</ref> Sogavare has served in the [[National Parliament of Solomon Islands|National Parliament]] representing [[East Choiseul constituency|East Choiseul]] since 1997.<ref name=Parl>[http://www.parliament.gov.sb/index.php?q=node/201 Page on Sogavare at Solomon Islands Parliament website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706193000/http://www.parliament.gov.sb/index.php?q=node%2F201 |date=6 July 2012 }}.</ref> He also served as minister of finance from 1997 to 1998, 2017–2019, and 2024–2025.
Sogavare has been widely accused of promoting [[democratic backsliding]] in [[Solomon Islands]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solomon Islands is threatening to ban foreign journalists. Here's why |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/solomon-islands-is-threatening-to-ban-foreign-journalists-heres-why/afv5mxyvg |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=SBS News |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040920/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/solomon-islands-is-threatening-to-ban-foreign-journalists-heres-why/afv5mxyvg |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Solomons PM Wins In Bid To Delay Election To 2024 |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/solomons-pm-wins-in-bid-to-delay-election-to-2024-01662621306 |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040920/https://www.barrons.com/news/solomons-pm-wins-in-bid-to-delay-election-to-2024-01662621306 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Solomon Islands under Sogavare has been criticised by many as being increasingly [[autocracy|autocratic]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercurial and combative Solomon Islands leader reaps benefits where he may |url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/pacific/sogavare-profile-10142022142402.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Benar News |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040920/https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/pacific/sogavare-profile-10142022142402.html |url-status=live }}</ref> or even [[authoritarianism|authoritarian]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is coming to Australia. What should we expect from his visit? {{!}} Lowy Institute |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/solomon-islands-prime-minister-manasseh-sogavare-coming-australia-what-should-we |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=www.lowyinstitute.org |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040922/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/solomon-islands-prime-minister-manasseh-sogavare-coming-australia-what-should-we |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Solomon Islands: Election Delay Would Threaten Peace and Democracy |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/09/solomon-islands-election-delay-would-threaten-peace-and-democracy |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040920/https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/09/solomon-islands-election-delay-would-threaten-peace-and-democracy |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite earning a modest formal salary, he has accrued a vast{{clarify|date=June 2024}} real estate portfolio, raising questions about his sources of income.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Solomon Islands PM Has Millions in Property, Raising Questions Around Wealth |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/solomon-islands-pm-has-millions-in-property-raising-questions-around-wealth |website=OCCRP |language=en |access-date=8 April 2024 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408141735/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/solomon-islands-pm-has-millions-in-property-raising-questions-around-wealth |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Early life== Sogavare was born in [[Popondetta]], [[Oro Province|Northern Province]], in the [[Territory of Papua]], then part of the Australian-ruled [[Territory of Papua and New Guinea]], on 17 January 1955 to [[missionary]] parents from [[Choiseul Island]], [[Solomon Islands]]. He has four older brothers: Moses, Samson, John, and Jacob. Later in life, Manasseh and his older brother Jacob moved to the Solomon Islands.<ref>[http://www.pireport.org/articles/2017/09/18/solomons-pm-wants-png-citizenship-after-he-retires-politics Solomons PM Wants PNG Citizenship After He Retires From Politics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723234934/http://www.pireport.org/articles/2017/09/18/solomons-pm-wants-png-citizenship-after-he-retires-politics |date=23 July 2019 }} Pacific Islands Report Retrieved 7 March 2019</ref>
==Education Background== He graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and Economics from the University of the South Pacific (USP) and a master's degree in management studies from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
==Political career== ===Early career=== Sogavare was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance from February 1994 to October 1996. Prior to his election to Parliament, he served as the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Director of the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands, and Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. He was first elected to the National Parliament from the [[East Choiseul constituency]] in the 6 August 1997 election.
Under Prime Minister [[Bartholomew Ulufa'alu]], Sogavare became [[Minister of Finance of the Solomon Islands|Minister of Finance and Treasury]] in 1997<ref name=Parl/> but was dismissed from that post by Ulufa'alu in mid-July 1998.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.parliament.gov.sb/index.php?q=node/846|title=Sogavare, Hon. Manasseh Damukana | National Parliament of Solomon Islands|website=www.parliament.gov.sb|access-date=28 September 2020|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502132130/http://www.parliament.gov.sb/index.php?q=node/846|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sogavare said that he was shocked at the dismissal, as he could see no reason for it and no reason was given, and he demanded an explanation.<ref>"Solomon Islands finance minister "shocked" by dismissal", Radio New Zealand International (nl.newsbank.com), 16 July 1998.</ref> A few days later, Ulufa'alu said that the decision was motivated by the need for the government to maintain the numbers to stay in power.<ref>"Solomon Islands premier says need to maintain numbers behind reshuffle", Radio New Zealand International (nl.newsbank.com), 21 July 1998.</ref> In early August 1998, Sogavare withdrew his support for Ulufa'alu and his government, accusing Ulufa'alu of authoritarian and hypocritical leadership and of emphasizing stability only to protect himself.<ref>"Solomon Islands: Sacked finance minister withdraws support for premier", Radio New Zealand International (nl.newsbank.com), 4 August 1998.</ref>
Sogavare was chosen as the deputy leader of the opposition in late September 1998, with [[Solomon Mamaloni]] as the leader.<ref>"Solomon Islands: Former premier back as opposition leader", Radio New Zealand International (nl.newsbank.com), 30 September 1998.</ref> Following Mamaloni's death in January 2000, Sogavare was elected as the leader of the opposition later that month. He received the votes of all ten members of the opposition who were present.<ref>"Solomon Islands opposition gets new leader, renames party", Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation radio (nl.newsbank.com), 28 January 2000.</ref>
===Prime minister (2000–2001)=== Sogavare was elected as prime minister by parliament on 30 June 2000, with 23 votes in favor and 21 against, after Ulufa'alu was captured by rebels and forced to resign.<ref>"Solomon Islands lawmakers elect new prime minister", Associated Press (nl.newsbank.com), 30 June 2000.</ref><ref>"Lawmakers elect opposition leader Solomon Islands prime minister", Associated Press, 30 June 2000.</ref> He served as prime minister until 17 December 2001.
===Out of office (2001–2006)=== His party won only three seats in the [[2001 Solomon Islands general election|2001 general election]], but Sogavare was re-elected to his seat in Parliament.<ref name=Parl/>
In Parliament, Sogavare was a member of the Bills and Legislation Committee in 2002 and again from 2005 to April 2006.<ref name=Parl/>
Following the [[2006 Solomon Islands general election|2006 general election]], Sogavare led the [[Solomon Islands Social Credit Party]] into a coalition to oust Prime Minister [[Allan Kemakeza]]'s chosen successor [[Snyder Rini]], but there was much disagreement about who should be its candidate for Prime Minister. On 18 April 2006, he received 11 of 50 votes to become prime minister, placing him third. He then switched his support to Rini, allowing Rini to become prime minister while Sogavare became part of the coalition and was named Minister for Commerce, Industries and Employment.<ref name=Parl/>
===Prime minister (second term, 2006–2007)=== Following Rini's resignation on 26 April 2006, Sogavare decided to attempt again to become prime minister. This time the opponents of Kemakeza and Rini united behind him, and in parliamentary vote on 4 May 2006, he received 28 votes, defeating the government candidate [[Fred Fono]], who received 22 votes. Sogavare was immediately sworn in.<ref>"Solomon Islands prime minister sworn in", Radio Australia (nl.newsbank.com), 5 May 2006.</ref> His main tasks included organizing the recovery from rioting that took place during Rini's time as prime minister.
On 11 October 2006, Sogavare survived a no-confidence vote in parliament; the motion, introduced by Fono, was supported by 17 members of parliament, while 28 voted against it.<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-10-11-voa17.cfm "Solomons Prime Minister Wins No-Confidence Vote"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012142514/http://voanews.com/english/2006-10-11-voa17.cfm |date=12 October 2006 }}, VOA News, 11 October 2006.</ref> The no-confidence vote was prompted by deteriorating relations with [[Australia]]. Sogavare had expelled the Australian High Commissioner [[Patrick Cole (High Commissioner)|Patrick Cole]] in September and defended the Solomons' suspended attorney general, [[Julian Moti]], who Australia wanted extradited to face child sex charges there. Moti presently faces charges in the Solomons for illegally entering the country.<ref>[http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=131911®ion=2 "Sogavare Survives Vote"]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Special Broadcasting Service (Australia), 12 October 2006.</ref> On 13 October, Sogavare threatened to expel Australia from an assistance mission in the Solomons,<ref>[http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Australia/10075005.html "Australia-Solomons diplomatic row escalates"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201084746/http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Australia/10075005.html |date=1 December 2008 }}, Gulfnews.com, 15 October 2006.</ref> and a week later Australian peacekeepers from the [[Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands]] raided Sogavare's office (when he was not present) looking for evidence related to the Moti case.<ref>Phil Mercer, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6068944.stm "Solomon Islands PM offices raided"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407165834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6068944.stm |date=7 April 2012 }}, BBC News, 20 October 2006.</ref>
On 13 December 2007, Sogavare was defeated in a parliamentary vote of no confidence; the motion against him received 25 votes, with 22 in opposition. He remained in office in a caretaker capacity until the election of a new Prime Minister<ref>Tom Allard, [http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/solomon-islands-prime-minister-ousted/2007/12/13/1197135655553.html "Solomon Islands Prime Minister ousted"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024013023/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/solomon-islands-prime-minister-ousted/2007/12/13/1197135655553.html |date=24 October 2012 }}, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 14 December 2007.</ref> on 20 December, when opposition candidate [[Derek Sikua]] was elected, defeating [[Patteson Oti]] who had been Foreign Minister under Sogavare.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/20/content_7284362.htm "Solomon Islands MPs elect new PM"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012191434/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/20/content_7284362.htm |date=12 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 20 December 2007.</ref> On the same date, Sogavare became Leader of the Opposition.<ref name=Parl/>
===Leader of the Opposition (2007–2014)=== In 2010, Sogavare and eight other MPs established the [[Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=17941 |title=New political party launched in Solomon Islands |publisher=Radio New Zealand International |date=17 January 2010 |access-date=18 January 2010 |archive-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317095225/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=17941 |url-status=live }}</ref> which won three seats in the [[2010 Solomon Islands general election|2010 general election]].
===Prime minister (third term, 2014–2017)=== [[File:蔡英文總統接見索羅門群島總理蘇嘉瓦瑞伉儷訪華團.jpg|thumb|Sogavare meets with [[Taiwanese President]] [[Tsai Ing-wen]] in July 2016]] Following the 19 November [[2014 Solomon Islands general election|2014 general election]], Sogavere became prime minister for the third time.<ref>[https://www.africanglobe.net/headlines/solomon-islands-target-australian-regime-change-operation-elected-prime-minister/ Solomon Islands: Former Target Of Australian Regime-Change Operation Re-Elected Prime Minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404142910/https://www.africanglobe.net/headlines/solomon-islands-target-australian-regime-change-operation-elected-prime-minister/ |date=4 April 2019 }} African Globe Retrieved 7 March 2019</ref> On 22 September 2017 Sogavare spoke at the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. He condemned [[North Korea]] for their testing of [[ballistic missile]]s. He also condemned Indonesia for violence in [[West Papua (region)|West Papua]].<ref>[https://gadebate.un.org/en/72/solomon-islands H. E. Mr. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, Prime Minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308082939/https://gadebate.un.org/en/72/solomon-islands |date=8 March 2019 }} United Nations Retrieved 7 March 2019</ref> On 7 November 2017, seventeen members of his Democratic Coalition for Change voted against him in another motion of no-confidence. The lawmaker who submitted the motion of no confidence, [[Derek Sikua]], claimed that Sogavere had lost touch with reality and become fixated on conspiracy theories, while Sogavere attributed the defections to a proposed anti-graft bill, saying that some MPs were afraid it would lead to them being imprisoned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/343246/manasseh-sogavare-toppled-as-solomons-prime-minister|title=Manasseh Sogavare toppled as Solomons prime minister|agency=Reuters|date=7 November 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107000150/http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/343246/manasseh-sogavare-toppled-as-solomons-prime-minister|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/solomons-pm-loses-no-confidence-vote-235825283.html|title=Solomons PM loses no-confidence vote|publisher=AFP news|date=7 November 2017|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112210/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/solomons-pm-loses-no-confidence-vote-235825283.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sogavere remained as Acting Prime Minister until [[Rick Houenipwela]] was elected on 15 November 2017. Sogavare then became finance minister and deputy prime minister.<ref name="auto2"/>
===Prime minister (fourth term, 2019–2024)=== [[File:Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (52268933079).jpg|thumb|Sogavare with US Deputy Secretary of State [[Wendy Sherman]] in 2022]]
Shortly after the [[2019 Solomon Islands general election|2019 general election]], Sogavare relaunched the [[Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party]] (OUR).<ref>{{cite news |title=Sogavare relaunches party amid Solomons coalition talks |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/386825/sogavare-relaunches-party-amid-solomons-coalition-talks |access-date=21 November 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215000631/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/386825/sogavare-relaunches-party-amid-solomons-coalition-talks |archive-date=15 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 April 2019, he was once again elected Prime Minister with more than half the vote. There is controversy surrounding the election since a court issued an injunction to postpone the vote. The Governor General, [[Frank Kabui]], chose to proceed with the election because, under the constitution of the Solomon Islands, the Governor-general has immunity from the courts when conducting the election of the prime minister.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/387670/manasseh-sogavare-elected-prime-minister-of-solomon-islands |title=Manasseh Sogavare elected prime minister of Solomon Islands |date=24 April 2019 |website=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427023918/https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/387670/manasseh-sogavare-elected-prime-minister-of-solomon-islands |url-status=live }}</ref> After Sogavare was re-elected there was rioting in [[Honiara]] forcing shops and offices to close. Additionally, rioters did damage to the Pacific Casino Hotel which was used by Sogavare as his campaign headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/24/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/ex-pm-wins-solomons-run-off-sparking-riots/|title=Ex-PM wins Solomons run-off sparking riots|website=Japan Times|access-date=25 July 2019|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424173029/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/24/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/ex-pm-wins-solomons-run-off-sparking-riots/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/post/pacific-news-minute-protests-riots-follow-election-new-prime-minister-solomon-islands#stream/0|title=Pacific News Minute:Protests, Riots Follow Election Of New Prime Minister In Solomon Islands|website=Hawai'i Public Radio|date=25 April 2019|access-date=25 July 2019|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426151730/https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/post/pacific-news-minute-protests-riots-follow-election-new-prime-minister-solomon-islands#stream/0|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 16 September 2019, Sogavare's government recognised the [[People's Republic of China]] (PRC), switching recognition from the [[Taiwan|Republic of China]] after 36 years. In a statement Sogavare announced the decision as representing an advance of Solomon Islands national interests, an outcome of a bi-partisan taskforce to investigate and confirm the facts surrounding the '[[One China]] Principle', and reporting by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.<ref name="solomontimes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/statement-by-the-prime-minister-hon-manasseh-sogavare-on-switch-to-china/9362|title=Statement by the Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare On Switch to China – Solomon Times Online|website=SolomonTimes.com|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923231856/https://www.solomontimes.com/news/statement-by-the-prime-minister-hon-manasseh-sogavare-on-switch-to-china/9362|url-status=live}}</ref> Responding to questions about caucus unity on the decision, Sogavare presented it as "a collective agreement agreed to by all the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) coalition MPs elected into the 11th parliament, conducted in a very open and transparent manner as far as government caucus is concerned".<ref name="solomontimes.com"/> The decision caused significant political and public debate in Solomon Islands. In the wake of the decision, planning minister [[Rick Hou]] and justice minister, Tautai Kaitu'u were sacked. Hou claimed Sogavare lied about the process for recognising the PRC, claiming the decision was pre-determined.<ref name="rnz.co.nz">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399722/sacked-solomons-minister-says-pm-lied-china-switch-pre-determined|title=Sacked Solomons minister says PM lied, China switch 'pre-determined'|date=27 September 2019|website=[[RNZ]] |access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927022129/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399722/sacked-solomons-minister-says-pm-lied-china-switch-pre-determined|url-status=live}}</ref> Deputy Prime Minister John Maneniaru and Education Minister Dean Kuku were terminated, with Police Minister Lanelle Tanagada opting to resign.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/could-more-ministers-be-axed-in-fallout-of-china-switch/11562682|title=Solomon Islands: Deputy PM sacked, more firings expected over China fallout|date=1 October 2019|website=ABC Radio Australia|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710042853/https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/could-more-ministers-be-axed-in-fallout-of-china-switch/11562682|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Malaita Province]], however, continued to be supported by Taiwan and the [[United States]], the latter sending US$25 million of aid to the island in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 October 2020|title=China convinced the Solomons to switch allegiances. Its one rebel province is now in line for $35m in US aid|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-16/us-aid-increase-solomon-islands-china-independence-malaita/12765310|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126081748/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-16/us-aid-increase-solomon-islands-china-independence-malaita/12765310|url-status=live}}</ref> The premier of Malaita Province, [[Daniel Suidani]], also held an independence referendum in 2020 which the national government has dismissed as illegitimate.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Kaye|first1=Ron|last2=Packham|first2=Colin|date=25 November 2021|title=Australia to deploy police, military to Solomon Islands as protests spread|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/solomon-islands-enters-36-hour-lockdown-after-protests-turn-violent-2021-11-25/|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127125527/https://www.reuters.com/world/solomon-islands-enters-36-hour-lockdown-after-protests-turn-violent-2021-11-25/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[2021 Solomon Islands unrest|Riots]] broke out in November 2021 during which anti-government protesters, most of them from Malaita Province, burnt down buildings adjoining the [[Solomon Islands Parliament Building]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lagan|first=Bernard|title=Solomon Islands protesters burn parliament and Chinese shops in anti-Beijing riots|language=en|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/solomon-islands-protestors-burn-parliament-and-chinese-shops-in-anti-beijing-riots-005n69hhr|access-date=25 November 2021|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127010647/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/solomon-islands-protestors-burn-parliament-and-chinese-shops-in-anti-beijing-riots-005n69hhr|url-status=live}}</ref> while also looting [[Honiara|Honiara's]] [[Chinatown, Honiara|Chinatown]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 November 2021|title=Solomon Islands: Australia sends peacekeeping troops amid riots|language=en-GB|work=[[BBC News]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59412000|access-date=25 November 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229212539/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59412000|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Australia sending troops to Solomon Islands as protests spread|url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1977914435906|publisher=[[CBC News]]|access-date=29 November 2021|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125162747/https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1977914435906|url-status=live}}</ref> Sogavare himself resisted calls to resign, warning that the rioters would "face consequences" while also accusing them of being "politically motivated".<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 November 2021|title=Solomons PM warns capital rioters 'will face consequences'|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211125-solomons-pm-warns-capital-rioters-will-face-consequences|access-date=1 December 2021|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125213201/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211125-solomons-pm-warns-capital-rioters-will-face-consequences|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Zhuang|first=Yan|date=25 November 2021|title=Protests Rock Solomon Islands: Here's What's Behind the Unrest|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/25/world/asia/solomon-islands-riot.html|access-date=1 December 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115043630/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/25/world/asia/solomon-islands-riot.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Australia]] responded to the unrest by deploying [[Australian Federal Police]] and [[Australian Defence Force]] personnel following a request from the Sogavare government under the [[Australia–Solomon Islands Bilateral Security Treaty]].<ref name=Andrews>{{cite press release |last=Andrews |first=Karen |date=25 November 2021 |title=Joint media release – Solomon Islands |url=https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/KarenAndrews/Pages/joint-media-release-solomon-islands.aspx |location=Canberra |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=26 November 2021 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221150433/https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/KarenAndrews/Pages/joint-media-release-solomon-islands.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Papua New Guinea]] and [[Fiji]] also sent peacekeepers.<ref name="AFPviaF24">{{cite news |title=Riots rock Solomon Islands capital for third day despite peacekeepers |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20211126-riots-rock-solomons-islands-capital-again-despite-australian-troop-deployment |access-date=27 November 2021 |agency=Agence France-Presse |via=France 24 |date=26 November 2021 |language=en |archive-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211122618/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20211126-riots-rock-solomons-islands-capital-again-despite-australian-troop-deployment |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|agency=Agence France-Presse and Reuters|date=29 November 2021|title=Fiji sends 50 peacekeepers to Solomon Islands|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/fiji-sends-50-peacekeepers-to-solomon-islands|access-date=29 November 2021|website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225063934/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/fiji-sends-50-peacekeepers-to-solomon-islands|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 6 December 2021, he survived a [[motion of no confidence]] in the [[National Parliament of Solomon Islands|National Parliament]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 December 2021|title=Solomon Islands PM survives no-confidence vote after unrest|language=en-GB|work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59501054|access-date=6 December 2021|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221081057/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59501054|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2022, Sogavare entered the Solomon Islands into a wide-ranging security pact with China.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Knott |first=Matthew |date=16 September 2022 |title=Manasseh Sogavare: the 'paranoid' Pacific leader tormenting Canberra |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/manasseh-sogavare-the-paranoid-pacific-leader-tormenting-canberra-20220914-p5bi3n.html |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |language=en |access-date=8 April 2024 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408141735/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/manasseh-sogavare-the-paranoid-pacific-leader-tormenting-canberra-20220914-p5bi3n.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
While the [[2024 Solomon Islands general election|2024 general elections]] were initially planned for 2023, parliament voted in 2022 to delay the elections with Sogavare claiming that the country could not afford to have an election in the same year it was hosting the [[2023 Pacific Games|Pacific Games]]. The opposition condemned the delay and accused Sogavare of a power grab.<ref name="1guardian">{{cite news |last1=Lyons |first1=Kate |date=10 August 2022 |title=Solomon Islands PM's election delay push a 'power grab' linked to China pact, opposition leader alleges |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/solomon-islands-pms-election-delay-push-a-power-grab-linked-to-china-pact-opposition-leader-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129024745/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/solomon-islands-pms-election-delay-push-a-power-grab-linked-to-china-pact-opposition-leader-says |archive-date=29 November 2022 |access-date=21 November 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref> Ultimately, Sogavare led OUR party to win a leading fifteen seats and over 24% of the vote in the elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/24/solomon-islands-pro-china-pm-manasseh-sogavare-fails-to-secure-majority |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424070504/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/24/solomon-islands-pro-china-pm-manasseh-sogavare-fails-to-secure-majority |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 April, Sogavare announced he would step down as OUR Party leader and not seek another term as prime minister in the 2 May parliamentary vote, which he said was a "collective decision". OUR Party's bloc, the Coalition of National Unity and Transformation, which also included the [[Kadere Party|Kadere]] and [[People First Party (Solomon Islands)|People First]] parties, nominated Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele for prime minister, who succeeded Sogavare as OUR Party leader.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hawkins |first1=Koroi |title=Manasseh Sogavare bows out of prime ministerial race in Solomon Islands |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/515516/manasseh-sogavare-bows-out-of-prime-ministerial-race-in-solomon-islands |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429230309/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/515516/manasseh-sogavare-bows-out-of-prime-ministerial-race-in-solomon-islands |archive-date=29 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kusu |first1=Fredrick |title=Coalition for National Unity and Transformation nominates Jeremiah Manele as PM Candidate |url=https://www.sibconline.com.sb/coalition-for-national-united-and-transformation-nominates-jeremiah-manele-as-pm-candidate/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=[[Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429231535/https://www.sibconline.com.sb/coalition-for-national-united-and-transformation-nominates-jeremiah-manele-as-pm-candidate/ |archive-date=29 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Manele became prime minister on 2 May, after defeating [[Matthew Wale]] in a parliamentary vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hawkins |first1=Koroi |title=Jeremiah Manele is new Solomon Islands Prime Minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/515780/jeremiah-manele-is-new-solomon-islands-prime-minister |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502021007/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/515780/jeremiah-manele-is-new-solomon-islands-prime-minister |archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Sogavare was subsequently appointed finance minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nine more Ministers sworn-in |url=https://www.sibconline.com.sb/nine-more-ministers-sworn-in/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=[[Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507021706/https://www.sibconline.com.sb/nine-more-ministers-sworn-in/ |archive-date=7 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Later politics=== On 28 April 2025, Sogavare resigned as finance minister, and joined an opposition coalition seeking to unseat Manele. Also in this group were Wale, [[Peter Kenilorea Jr.]], and [[Gordon Darcy Lilo]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-29/solomon-islands-prime-minister-new-sogavare-manele/105228464 |title=Former Solomon Islands PM Mannaseh Sogavare abandons leader, forms new coalition with political rivals |author1=Nick Sas |author2=Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong |author3=Stephen Dziedzic |work=ABC News |date=29 April 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025}}</ref> Manele managed to secure enough support to avoid a [[motion of no confidence]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/05/solomon-islands-pm-avoids-no-confidence-vote-but-is-potentially-weakened/ |title=Solomon Islands PM Avoids No Confidence Vote, But Is Potentially Weakened |author=Camilla Pohle |work=The Diplomat |date=7 May 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025}}</ref> Following this, Sogavare became a [[backbencher]] (neither in government or leading the opposition) for the first time since 1997.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/the-great-betrayal-uncovered/ |title=The Great Betrayal Uncovered |author=Alfred Sasako |work=Solomon Star |date=4 August 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025}}</ref>
On 18 March 2026, Sogavare was appointed as [[Deputy Prime Minister of Solomon Islands|deputy prime minister]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Prime Minister Welcomes Newly Sworn-In Ministers |url=https://solomons.gov.sb/prime-minister-welcomes-newly-sworn-in-ministers-2/ |website=My SIG Services Portal |access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref> After Manele's government was ousted by a no confidence vote, Sogavare was appointed as leader of the opposition on 20 May 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manasseh Sogavare appointed Leader of Opposition, pledging accountability and national leadership |url=https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/manasseh-sogavare-appointed-opposition-leader-solomon-islands/ |website=Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) |access-date=29 May 2026 |date=20 May 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== Sogavare is married to Emmy Sogavare, and has three children: Brandt, Shannon and Maydrel.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=18 January 2016 |title=PM Sogavare celebrates 61st birthday |url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/pm-sogavare-celebrates-61st-birthday/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Solomon Star News |language=en-US |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124041528/https://www.solomonstarnews.com/pm-sogavare-celebrates-61st-birthday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Emmy Sogavare owns a café, known as Shadel Café.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solomon Islands Prime Minister's wife given $400, 000 food contract |url=https://www.onepng.com/2021/09/solomon-islands-prime-ministers-wife.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=One Papua New Guinea |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124041529/https://www.onepng.com/2021/09/solomon-islands-prime-ministers-wife.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
As PM, Sogavare earns a salary of 428,560 Solomon Islands dollars (around US$50,000).<ref name=":0" />
Sogavare has a black belt in karate.<ref name=":1" />
===Religion=== Sogavare is a member of the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]].<ref name=":1" /> He dedicated the Sogavare Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in memory of his father Sagavare Loko.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solomontodaypost.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/sogavare-dedicates-church-in-memory-of-late-father/|title=Sogavare dedicates church in memory of his late father|website=Solomon Today Post|date=17 December 2015|access-date=7 March 2019|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308081431/https://solomontodaypost.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/sogavare-dedicates-church-in-memory-of-late-father/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} {{wikiquote}}
{{s-start}} {{s-par}} {{s-bef|before=Allan Qurusu}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament for [[East Choiseul constituency|East Choiseul]]|years=1997–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-break}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Michael Maina}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Finance and Treasury (Solomon Islands)|Minister of Finance]]|years=1997–1998}} {{s-aft|after=[[Bartholomew Ulufa'alu]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=Bartholomew Ulufa'alu}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Prime Minister of Solomon Islands]]|years=2000–2001}} {{s-aft|after=[[Allan Kemakeza]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[Snyder Rini]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Solomon Islands|years=2006–2007}} {{s-aft|after=[[Derek Sikua]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[Gordon Darcy Lilo]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Solomon Islands|years=2014–2017}} {{s-aft|after=[[Rick Houenipwela]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[John Maneniaru]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Minister of Finance|years=2017–2019}} {{s-aft|after=[[Harry Kuma]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=Rick Houenipwela}} {{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Solomon Islands|years=2019–2024}} {{s-aft|after=[[Jeremiah Manele]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=Harry Kuma}} {{s-ttl|title=Minister of Finance|years=2024–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-break}} {{s-ppo}} {{s-break}} {{s-non|reason=Party re-established}} {{s-ttl|title=Leader of the [[Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party]]|years=2019–2024}} {{s-aft|after=Jeremiah Manele}} {{s-end}} {{Portal bar|Biography|Christianity|Politics}} {{SolomonPMs}} {{Social Credit}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sogavare, Manasseh}} [[Category:1955 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Ministers of finance of the Solomon Islands]] [[Category:Independent politicians of the Solomon Islands]] [[Category:Leaders of the opposition (Solomon Islands)]] [[Category:Members of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands]] [[Category:Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party politicians]] [[Category:People from Choiseul Province]] [[Category:People from Oro Province]] [[Category:People's Progressive Party (Solomon Islands) politicians]] [[Category:Prime ministers of the Solomon Islands]] [[Category:Solomon Islands Seventh-day Adventists]] [[Category:Solomon Islands Social Credit Party politicians]]