Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed Mary Daniella Zae Garu, Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal, and Freda Tuki Soriocomua, Member of Parliament for Temotu Vatud, who were officially sworn in Monday by the Governor-General.
Mary Garu was sworn in as the Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, succeeding Stephen Kumi.
Freda Tuki Soriocomua was sworn in as the Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, succeeding Clezy Rore.
Prime Minister Manele congratulated both Ministers on their appointments, noting that their presence ensures the Cabinet remains functional and focused on its objectives.
“These appointments are a vital step in ensuring we remain on track to complete the work of the 12th Parliament. I have every confidence in the Ministers’ commitment to seeing through our remaining legislative priorities and delivering on the Government’s 2026 national goals for the people of Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.
Further ministerial swearing-in ceremonies are expected to take place over the coming days as the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) continues the process of filling ministerial portfolios.
Meanwhile, two Cabinet Ministers have reportedly left the government following the resignation of ten ministers on Sunday night.
They are Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel and Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o.
Majority of the Members of Parliament (MP) are part of the Peoples First Party (PFP).
The Party stated it decided to move out due to growing mistrust amongst GNUT coalition which had resulted in the mass walkout.
The Party said, there are issues to be resolved which they want to resolve.
And the best option is to leave the coalition.
The Governor-General on Monday confirmed the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications Fredrick Kologeto; Minister for Health and Medical Services Paul Bosawai; Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore; Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma; Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derick Manuari; Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Wayne Ghemu; Minister for Public Service Francis Sade; Minister for Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa; Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace Stephen Kumi; and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Franklyn Wasi.
Backbenchers who have reportedly resigned are; Chachabule Rebi Amoi, Polycarp Paea, John Tuhaika Jnr, Oliver Salopuka, Morris Toiraena, Lazarus Alfred Rimah and James Bonunga
Its understood, PFP, the Opposition and Independent Group are in discussion of a likely coalition with conditions attached to a new formation.
GNUT was formed in May 2024 following the 12th general election.
