Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Nick Sas |Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong

A new coalition of Solomon Islands MPs that includes former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare says it has the numbers to oust the country's sitting prime minister, with a vote of no confidence set for next week.   In moves that will be closely watched in Canberra as Australia heads to a federal election, the group posted a photo on social media this morning — and later released a press release — claiming it now has a majority of MPs "with more indicating they'll resign from government".

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Nick Sas |Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong |Caroline Tiriman

Warning: This story depicts animal treatment that may disturb some readers. Jack Bakale, the church chairman from the island of Sulufou, in Solomon Islands, has a simple way of describing it. "For us, it's part of life," he told the ABC from his island home.  "These events are our culture — dolphin calling, and hunting, is our inheritance from God."Last week, Mr Bakale's ancient cultural practice met a new type of culture: social media.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong |Stephen Dziedzic

The Solomon Islands prime minister has pushed back on Australia's attempts to extract strategic concessions from his country in return for a $190 million policing package announced late last year, saying officials are trying to hammer out a "compromise" on the issue. In an exclusive interview, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele spoke to the ABC's The Pacific program in Honiara this week — the first time a sitting Solomon Islands leader has sat down with the ABC in almost six years.

Jan 30, 2025 | abc.net.au | Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong |Evan Wasuka |Erin Handley

The people of Rennell Island remember the dark day when an inky black bloom spread across the sea near their homes. Located in the Solomon Islands, the bay was once famed for dolphin calling — a traditional practice where locals would lure the mammals to the shore. "Rennell is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It's a very unique island … very special," said Richie Pautangata, president of the West Rennell Landowners Association.

Oct 18, 2024 | abc.net.au | Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong |Gabriella Marchant |Nick Sas

Flying across the hundreds of islands that make up Solomon Islands, it's almost impossible not to see them.  Patches of muddy and desolate ground in an otherwise lush and pristine green forest. They are logging zones, and in Solomon Islands they are everywhere. For the developing country, it is a catch 22: Logging is its lifeblood; the country's biggest export and a source of income for thousands.