Solomon Islands
Recent Conflict
The major conflict in the Solomon Islands is rooted in ethnic tensions between the Guales and the Malaitans. The Guales made demands for compensation due to the confiscation of land by the government from indigenous peoples. This conflict began in 1999, during which the government was forced to declare a four month long state of emergency.
The conflict continued through until 2003 when the government of the Solomon Islands, due to bankruptcy and turmoil, was forced to call in support from other Pacific nations to maintain order. Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific nations sent 2,200 troops and police to the Solomon Islands, where they are working to increase stability by increasing access to health and education across the islands and supporting the government while it goes through a restructuring period.
In April of 2006, riots broke out again as accusations were made regarding Chinese bribery in falsifying the elections. The riots resulted in the destruction of Chinatown and emergency airlifts of Chinese citizens out of the country.
