Solomon Islands Opposition leader Matthew Wale has echoed disappointment with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s statement on the right to self-determination at the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Sogavare last week addressed UNGA, stating that Solomon Islands reaffirmed the right to self-determination as enshrined under the UN Charter.

Whilst New Caledonia and French Polynesia were highlighted, Wale said it was sad that the plight of West Papua was not included.

The Opposition Leader said both the FLNKS and West Papuans are Melanesian peoples and both desire independence.

He said West Papua has been under very oppressive, schematic, and systematic Indonesian colonial rule, far worse than anything New Caledonia has suffered.

“We are Melanesians, and we should always stand hand in hand with our brothers and sisters in West Papua,” he said.

Wale said diplomacy and geopolitics should never cloud our solidarity with the Melanesian people of West Papua.

The opposition leader said it was sad that Sogavare, who used to be a strong supporter of the West Papuan cause, has changed face.

“The Prime Minister was once a strong supporter of West Papua, a very vocal leader against human rights atrocities even at the UNGA and international forums in the past. 

“For sure, he has been bought for 40 pieces of silver and has clearly changed his face,” Wale said.

He also reiterated his call to MSG leaders to rethink their stand on West Papua.

“The Prime Minister should have maintained the Solomon Islands stand on West Papua like he used to.

“Sogavare is no different to Judas the Iscariot,” Wale said.

(Opposition Press)