POLICE in the restive Solomon Islands said today they had arrested a leading member of the opposition in connection with deadly riots that rocked the country last month.

Armed police reportedly arrested United Party president John Kwaita at his home late yesterday on unspecified charges.

“We can confirm that a prominent Solomon Islander has been arrested yesterday evening in relation to the rioting,” a police spokesman told AFP.

Late last month anti-government protests sparked widespread looting and arson in the capital Honiara, causing US$67 million (RM283.7 million) worth of damage and leaving the city’s Chinatown district in ruins.

At least three people died in the violence, which also caused the snap deployment of around 200 peacekeepers from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. 

The protests were sparked by opposition to veteran Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is keen to forge closer ties with Beijing. 

His rule is opposed by the leaders of Malaita – the Solomons’ most populous island. 

Kwaita is from Malaita and his United Party’s two lawmakers had backed a failed vote of no confidence against Sogavare earlier this month.

Ally Peter Kenilorea told supporters late yesterday that Kwaita, “one of our nation’s prominent leaders”, was in police custody.

“I call for calm at this time. I am still trying to ascertain further details and what charges are being laid against him,” he added. – AFP, December 14, 2021.