By Earl Makhanbetov

The Solomon Islands experienced a turbulent period that revolved around the question of immigration and land rights. The 1998 Solomon Island conflict saw a massive anti-immigration response to Malaitan immigrants coming to the Guadalcanal mainland and was part of a broader campaign of securitization. The Guadalcanal Liberation Army was formed and was later rebranded as the Isatabu Freedom Fighters (IFM) that systematized anti-Malaitan violence with the intention of discouraging immigration. As a response, the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) was formed, with the intention of retaliation after some 20,000 Malaitans were forced to flee. The anti-Malaitan response was so severe due to their cheap outsourced labor: this put pressure on locals and created tensions within communities. This was further compounded by land rights issues, as Guadalcanal land is assigned through the matrilineal line and Malatian land rights are assigned patrilineally. Guale men would sell land that they had no claim to Malaitan immigrants and this, in turn, produced an enormous culture clash that led to such a right-wing response.

Firth, Stewart. “Instability in the Pacific Islands: A Status Report.” Lowy Institute, June 2018, https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/instability-pacific-islands-status-report.