Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare attends reconciliation ceremony, promoting peace, unity and dialogue
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare, yesterday attended a Reconciliation and Appreciation Ceremony held at Kobito 1 in Honiara.
The ceremony was a community-led initiative organised by Concerned Citizens for Development in Malaita and brought together church leaders, community representatives, Members of Parliament, and community members.
The gathering provided a structured space for dialogue, reconciliation, and appreciation. It included reflection on past grievances, acknowledgement of community experiences, and recognition of development contributions made in Malaita Province across previous administrations, including infrastructure and development initiatives delivered under the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) and Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
In his address, Sogavare thanked the church for providing a venue for the gathering and emphasised the importance of peace, reconciliation, and national unity.
“In our country, the church has always had a special role in healing wounds, restoring relationships, and reminding us that peace is stronger than division,” he said.
The Opposition Leader reflected on the events of November 2021, describing them as a painful chapter in the nation’s history that must never be repeated.
“The events of November 2021 remain painful in the memory of our nation. Lives were lost. Property was destroyed. Businesses were damaged. Communities were shaken. Trust was broken. That pain must never be ignored. And it must never be repeated,” Sogavare said.
He stressed that while reconciliation is an important part of how communities move forward from periods of tension and disagreement, grievances must always be pursued through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.
Sogavare further called for continued efforts to strengthen mutual respect, dialogue, and national unity, noting that peace and stability remain essential foundations for the country’s future.
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