Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has sacked two ministers and reshuffled two others in a major shake-up of his cabinet.
Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins
The prime minister's office confirmed the agriculture minister Augustine Auga had been "relieved of his duties" and replaced by backbencher and MP for North Malaita, Senley Filualea.
The lands minister William Marau has also been demoted and replaced by Ishmael Avui, who moves across from the ministry of forestry.
His former portfolio is taken up by Commins Mewa who has been moved across from the education portfolio.
Lanelle Tanangada takes up the vacated education ministry marking a return to cabinet from the backbench, after falling out of favour last year when he refused to take part in the vote on whether or not to cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China.
Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare (centre front) flanked by newly sworn in ministers and other members of his cabinet. April 2020 Photo: SIG News Service
The four ministers were sworn-in before the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House this morning.
In a statement, the government said the changes or reshuffling of the ministers was done in the collective best interest to ensure effective implementation and delivery of priorities during challenging times.
It said the changes were made by Manasseh Sogavare following internal consultations with the respective ministers.
The government claims the changes have no political implications on its solidarity.