27 Facts About Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Damukana Sogavare was born on 17 January 1955 and is a Solomon Islander politician serving as Minister of Finance since 2024.

Manasseh Sogavare has been widely accused of promoting democratic backsliding in Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands under Manasseh Sogavare has been criticised by many as being increasingly autocratic or even authoritarian.

Manasseh Sogavare was born in Popondetta, Northern Province, Papua New Guinea on 17 January 1955 to missionary parents from Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands.

Manasseh Sogavare has four older brothers: Moses, Samson, John, and Jacob.

Manasseh Sogavare was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance from February 1994 to October 1996.

Manasseh Sogavare was first elected to the National Parliament from the East Choiseul constituency in the 6 August 1997 election.

Under Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, Manasseh Sogavare became Minister of Finance and Treasury in 1997 but was dismissed from that post by Ulufa'alu in mid-July 1998.

Manasseh Sogavare said that he was shocked at the dismissal, as he could see no reason for it and no reason was given, and he demanded an explanation.

In early August 1998, Manasseh Sogavare withdrew his support for Ulufa'alu and his government, accusing Ulufa'alu of authoritarian and hypocritical leadership and of emphasizing stability only to protect himself.

Manasseh Sogavare was chosen as the deputy leader of the opposition in late September 1998, with Solomon Mamaloni as the leader.

Manasseh Sogavare received the votes of all ten members of the opposition who were present.

Manasseh Sogavare was elected as prime minister by parliament on 30 June 2000, with 23 votes in favor and 21 against, after Ulufa'alu was captured by rebels and forced to resign.

Manasseh Sogavare served as prime minister until 17 December 2001.

Manasseh Sogavare's party won only three seats in the 2001 general election, but Sogavare was re-elected to his seat in Parliament.

In Parliament, Manasseh Sogavare was a member of the Bills and Legislation Committee in 2002 and again from 2005 to April 2006.

Manasseh Sogavare then switched his support to Rini, allowing Rini to become prime minister while Sogavare became part of the coalition and was named Minister for Commerce, Industries and Employment.

On 11 October 2006, Manasseh Sogavare survived a no-confidence vote in parliament; the motion, introduced by Fono, was supported by 17 members of parliament, while 28 voted against it.

On 13 December 2007, Manasseh Sogavare was defeated in a parliamentary vote of no confidence; the motion against him received 25 votes, with 22 in opposition.

On 22 September 2017 Manasseh Sogavare spoke at the United Nations General Assembly.

Manasseh Sogavare condemned North Korea for their testing of ballistic missiles.

Shortly after the 2019 general election, Manasseh Sogavare relaunched the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party.

On 16 September 2019, Manasseh Sogavare's government recognised the People's Republic of China, switching recognition from the Republic of China after 36 years.

Hou claimed Manasseh Sogavare lied about the process for recognising the PRC, claiming the decision was pre-determined.

Manasseh Sogavare himself resisted calls to resign, warning that the rioters would "face consequences" while accusing them of being "politically motivated".

In 2022, Manasseh Sogavare entered the Solomon Islands into a wide-ranging security pact with China.

Manasseh Sogavare dedicated the Sogavare Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in memory of his father Sagavare Loko.