Solomons PM could use Chinese police to stay in power, key provincial adviser fears

Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare could use the recently signed security deal with China to keep himself in office, a key advisor to the premier of the country’s most populous province says. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

A key adviser to the premier of the most populous province in Solomon Islands has expressed concern that the China-Solomons security deal could enable the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to use Chinese armed police and military personnel to quash democratic dissent and hold on to power for years to come.

Celsus Irokwato Talifilu, who is an adviser to Daniel Suidani, the premier of Malaita province, said that while it was “fair” that Australia, the US and other regional partners had focused their attention on the prospect of a military base on the islands, the major fear for many in Solomon Islands was the erosion of democracy.