SI Prime Minister announces enquiry into the Black Tuesday Riots in April

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare today announced that Government had established a Commission of Inquiry into the April riots.

The Prime Minister announced to the press yesterday afternoon that the Commission of Inquiry comprises of Hon. Marcus Einfield QC, a former Australian Federal Judge, former Parliament Speaker and Guadalcanal Premier, Waeta Ben, and former President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association, Gabriel Suri.

The Government has also appointed former Public Service Commission Chairman, Mr Hugh Paia, as secretary to the Commission.

The terms of reference of the Commission, among other things, cover almost all aspects of the April 18 civil unrest in Honiara which ranges from identifying the perpetrators of the riots, reviewing the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Honourable Members of Parliament Mr Charles Dausabea and Nelson Ne’e and the role of the RSIP and PPF Police in the mayhem following the election of Honourable Snyder Rini as Prime Minister.

“I appeal to everyone to assist in unravelling the truth about the events that have portrayed us in such a shameful light on the international stage.
“If there was indeed much more to what we know about what happened, this is our only chance to come out and tell the truth to set the record straight for the history of Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Sogavare said the Commission of Inquiry will submit a report within 6 month.

Source: Government Communications Unit