by Ronald Toito’ona
One year after taking office, the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has marked a key milestone—its first anniversary—with a firm commitment to political stability, land reform, reconciliation, and national security.
GNUT came into power with a broad coalition—OUR Party, Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP), and KADERE Party—promising unity and resilience.
Past experiences in governance have seen that shifting alliances and political tensions have often slowed progress in Solomon Islands. However, the GNUT has made a deliberate choice to focus on unity as a foundation as well as a strategy for sustainable development.
“Our government was founded on the principle that political stability and unity are prerequisites for progress,” Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele told reporters, during his one-year-in-office statement.
“Over the past year, we have upheld this principle and maintained peace and order, even amidst moments of political tension.”
Surviving two Motion of No Confidence
In December 2024, after just over six months in office, GNUT faced its first major political test—a motion of no confidence brought forward in Parliament.
The move, seen by many observers as a strategic effort to destabilise the new coalition government, could have derailed ongoing reforms.
But GNUT stood firm.
“We faced—and overcame—the challenge of a motion of no confidence, which tested our resolve but did not shake our commitment to serve,” Manele recalled.
Even when preparing for a second motion of no confidence, which was withdrawn this week, PM Manele’s tone remains resolute.
“We approach it in the same spirit—with calm determination, guided by our unwavering duty to work for the betterment of our people.”
Political instability has long hindered development in the country, particularly after every election cycle. GNUT’s ability to navigate these tensions without major fallout is seen as a sign of maturing governance.
Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Traditional Systems
The GNUT’s approach to unity is more than political survival—it is proactive, community-oriented, and culturally grounded.
According to the Prime Minister, one of his government’s quiet victories has been its investment in national dialogue and the reinforcement of traditional governance systems, working closely with faith-based organisations and community leaders..
The approach reflected GNUT’s broader ethos of inclusive governance.
“We have promoted national dialogue, strengthened traditional governance systems, and deepened our partnerships with community and faith-based organisations to uphold peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect,” Manele said.
He added, this commitment to unity and inclusive development also extends to the government’s efforts on land reform.
Land Reform and Customary Land Recording
Recognising that land disputes are a root cause of political and social instability, GNUT has launched a nationwide consultation process on customary land tenure, ownership, and usage.
At the heart of this initiative is the Customary Land Recording Program under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey – which formally documents land rights of customary land holding groups.
“The ongoing work in Rennell and Bellona stands as a strong example of our intent to empower local communities and ensure land benefits are shared equitably,” said the Prime Minister.
This move is critical for future development projects, particularly in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, where land access and ownership clarity are essential for investor confidence and community support.
Securing Peace: The National Security Strategy 2025
Perhaps the most ambitious move yet by GNUT in securing long-term unity was the launch of the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2025 – a reflection of the government’s long-term vision to safeguard peace and sovereignty.
The NSS marks a significant shift in how Solomon Islands conceptualises security—not just in terms of crime or external threats, but through a holistic lens that includes climate change, land disputes, corruption, and political unrest.
“The NSS is not just a policy document—it is a declaration that our unity and peace are non-negotiable,” Manele affirmed.
“National security must be built from the ground up, in partnership with our communities, provinces, and institutions and SIG in the driver’s seat.”
PM Manele said, despite all the challenges, the GNUT’s groundwork laid in its first year is solid.
“Together, through inclusive reforms, reconciliation efforts, and a whole-of-society approach to security, we are laying a stronger foundation for the Solomon Islands—one where every citizen has a stake in peace, and a voice in the future,” the Prime Minister concluded.