Civic space is rated as ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Among concerns previously documented are threats to ban Facebook in the country and attempts to vilify civil society as well as LGBTQI+ groups. The authorities have also restricted access to information, including requests from the media. Peaceful protests have also been dispersed.
Expression
Concerns around media freedom and independence
There have been continued concerns around the state of press freedom in the Solomon Islands and the influence of China on media independence.
In September 2023, the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) raised concerns after being excluded from a public event during the International Day of Democracy in the capital, Honiara. In a statement MAS called for the “long-overdue recognition of the pivotal role that media plays in a democratic society.”
MASI said that the media was “being seen primarily as a tool for propaganda rather than as a vital partner in the democratic process” and as an “equal partner in the development of a democratic Solomon Islands.” MASI said “recognising the media’s role in a democracy also means safeguarding its independence and freedom from undue influence.”
Previously in July 2023, an investigation from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claimed that a Solomon Islands newspaper had accepted funding from Chinese authorities, allegedly in exchange for the publication of content favourable to China.
The OCCRP alleged that the management of the Solomon Star newspaper requested SBD 1,150,000 (approximately USD 140,000) from the Chinese government to allow the outlet to better “promote the truth about China’s generosity and its true intentions to help develop” the Solomon Islands. It was reported that the funds were to be spent on new equipment, including a replacement of their newspaper printer, and a new radio broadcast tower, with equipment delivered in February 2023.
The Island Sun, another Solomon Islands newspaper, received computers from the Chinese embassy, the publication’s former editor, Ofani Eremae, told The Guardian. “The owners of the media organisation are giving away the independence of their news organisation,” he said.