Australia Deploys Soldiers and Police to Solomon Islands Amid Unrest

Australia has deployed troops and federal police officers to the Solomon Islands, as the South Pacifica nation braced for continued protests amid calls for the prime minister to step down.

Footage by local journalist Georgina Kekea shows an Australian Air Force aircraft landing at the airport in the capital Honiara on November 26.

Australia’s foreign minister said federal police arrived in the island nation by November 25, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced plans to send a further 50 officers and 43 Defence Force personnel to the country on November 26 in response to a request from the Solomon Islands’ prime minister.

Speaking to ABC Radio, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said officials believed there were around 200 Australian nationals in the Solomon Islands, and advised them to avoid demonstrations.

Authorities said on Friday that a 7 pm to 6 am curfew in Honiara would continue until revoked by the Governor-General.

Protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare descended on the capital on Wednesday, leading to two days of demonstrations. Credit: Georgina Kekea via Storyful