Fiji will dispatch 50 troops to the Solomon Islands tomorrow as part of reinforcement platoon embedded with the Australian Force element on the ground to restore calm and maintain security after three days of rioting and unrest in the capital of Honiara.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said a further 120 personnel are on standby for deployment if needed.
According to reports, calling for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare’s resignation, rioters looted and burnt down shops including along Honiara’s China Town where three bodies – of an adult and two children – were found.
The Solomon Star reported that 56 buildings were destroyed over the three days leaving nearly 1000 people out of jobs. Many Chinese individuals and families have reportedly lost everything and are also homeless, and more than 100 youths have since been arrested for alleged looting.
Meanwhile clean up have also started in rioted areas of Honiara by volunteers including business houses, and community groups.
Photo: Solomon Star
