After almost seven months away overseas, former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani landed back in Honiara this afternoon to a rapturous welcome from family members and supporters.
He arrived with his adviser Celsus Talifilu closely by his side.
“Thank you everyone for your support and for believing in the cause that we are defending here,” Talifilu addressed the supporters on behalf of Suidani, who had issues with his voice.
“The principles that Suidani and MARA Government stand for remain,” he added.
“It is reflected in your presence here today.”
Suidani was ousted from power in February this year in a no-confidence vote, which many believed was sponsored by the Sogavare government.
The Government also disqualified him from his seat for not abiding by China’s definition of the One China policy.
Government also accused him of colluding with Taiwan in defiance of the national government’s decision to recognize China.Â
Former Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani and his Political advisor Celsus Talifilu during their arrivial today at the Henderson International Airport.
He and Talifilu then travelled to the United States and Canada, during which they testified before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, met with Members of Congress in the U.S., Members of Parliament in Canada, spoke with think tanks in Washington and Australia, gave public talks, media interviews and did just about all possible to start the discussion on the erosion of democracy in Solomon Islands.
Talifilu said their mission field is in Malaita, so they will be heading home soon.
In-depth Solomons understands Suidani will seek re-election in his ward 5 of Baegu-West Fataleka.Talifilu is eying the national elections in early 2024, where he will stake his claim for the Baegu-Asifola Constituency seat.
Former Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani and his Political advisor Celsus Talifilu during their arrival today at the Henderson International Airport.
Suidani and his MARA government assumed power in Malaita in June 2019 and remained until February 2023 when he was ousted in a no-confidence vote.
His MARA government produced what was known as the Auki Communique, a policy document that, among other things, rejected any dealings with China and its proxies.
The Auki Communique became a thorn-in-the-eye for the Sogavare Government, resulting in heated exchanges at times between the two parties.
After surviving two no-confidence votes, Suidani fell in the third after a few of his ministers resigned and moved to the other side.
