PM DECLARES 36-HOUR LOCKDOWN FOR HONIARA CITY

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare tonight (November 24) has signed an order declaring a 36-hour lockdown for the Honiara Emergency zone and the foreshores commencing at 7pm on Wednesday 24 through to 7am Friday 26 November 2021.

The declaration was made as a result of the sad events that transpired in Honiara today that has resulted in looting and burning of a number of buildings in the city.

The 36-hour lockdown will allow law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of the events today and to prevent further lawless destruction of property.

In a statement tonight, Sogavare said our nation witnessed another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down.

Today residents have witnessed the unlawful gathering of groups of people in Honiara. These people breached the National Parliament building and burned a thatched-roofed building outside the National Parliament building. They burned the Kukum Police Station and some buildings in China Town and Kukum commercial areas.

“I had honestly thought that we had gone past the darkest days in the history of our country. However, today’s events are a painful reminder that we have a long way to go,” Sogavare said.

As of midday, hundreds of citizens took the law into their own hands today. They were intent on destroying our nation and destroy the trust that was slowly building among our people.

“It is very sad that many of these people may have allowed themselves to be led astray by a few scrupulous people who are behind today’s events,” Sogavare said.

“However, today I stand before you to inform you all that our country is safe. Your Government is in place and continuous to lead our nation,” he added.

The Prime Minister assured Honiara residents that the people responsible for today’s events which led to the destruction of properties will be taken to justice and they will face the full brunt of law.

“No one is above the law. If the investigation uncovers the people that are behind today’s events, these people will face the consequences of their actions,” Sogavare warned.

He added that the National parliament of Solomon Islands is a sacred institution. It represents an important symbol of our democracy.

“It is very sad that the symbol of democracy was breached today,” he said in a statement tonight.

ENDS///