Political Integrity and National Priorities Must Come First, Say CSOs

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 12 May 2025- In response to recent political developments, civil society and non-governmental organizations convened under the umbrella of the Development Services Exchange (DSE) for their monthly information-sharing session on Wednesday last week.. The meeting focused on the implications of the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and its potential impact on governance, service delivery, and community wellbeing.

The group welcomed the peaceful resolution of the motion, commending both the PM Manele led Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and the Parliamentary Opposition for upholding democratic processes. This respectful and lawful approach, they noted, reflects a shared commitment to the rule of law and democratic values.

Civil society organizations also commended the people of Solomon Islands—particularly families, communities, churches, businesses, and organizational leaders in Honiara—for their cooperation with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and for maintaining calm and peaceful conduct. Their collective responsibility helped uphold public order and safeguard national stability.

However, CSOs expressed concern about the disruptions triggered by political uncertainty. Communities across Honiara experienced school closures, delays to community programs, and suspension of key services. These interruptions, they warned, not only slowed development progress but placed additional pressure on already vulnerable sectors.

CSO leaders urged the government to adopt people-centered approaches to prevent future unrest. A key recommendation was for transparent and consistent communication with the public through trusted platforms, to reduce misinformation and ease public anxiety during times of political uncertainty.

Sector-Specific Concerns Raised

Various CSO coalitions represented at the meeting voiced specific concerns:

• The Coalition of Education Solomon Islands (COESI) emphasized that the education sector remains highly vulnerable to political disruptions. Each interruption compounds the challenges faced by students, teachers, and families. COESI stressed that education must be treated as a national priority.
• The Disability Women’s Empowerment Association (DWEA), an affiliate of the People with Disability Association, raised concerns about the lack of inclusive communication during recent events. They shared women with disabilities felt excluded and uninformed during a critical period.
• A representative from the Solomon Islands Deaf Association further highlighted live political broadcasts lacked sign language interpretation, rendering vital information inaccessible to the deaf community.

These concerns underscore the urgent need for communication that is transparent, accessible, disability-inclusive, and gender-sensitive—particularly in times of national decision-making and crisis.

A Call for Steadfast Leadership

CSOs stressed that essential services—including education, healthcare, and public safety—must be safeguarded and continue without interruption, even during political uncertainty. Reflecting on the country’s past, they noted that political instability has far-reaching consequences for national development and social cohesion.

CSOs call on leaders to remain consistent, honour their commitments, and prioritize the wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders. Stability is not achieved through shifting priorities or short-term decisions, but through long-term commitment to people-centred governance and national unity.

The Development Services Exchange (DSE) and its member organizations reaffirm their commitment to working collaboratively with government institutions and all relevant stakeholders to build a stable, inclusive, and democratic Solomon Islands.

DSE is the coordinating body for non-governmental organizations in the Solomon Islands.

ENDS//

– DSE Press Release