Page 444 - Melanesia
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Key Facts and Dates: Solomon Islands
1899 - Germany cedes the northern Solo- Group, which aims to preserve Melanesian island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea
mon islands to the United Kingdom, which cultural traditions. ended in 1998.
had declared a protectorate over the south-
ern Solomon islands in 1893. 1998 - Ulufa’alu’s government narrowly 2001 February - Marau peace agreement is
survives a motion of no confidence. The signed bringing together the two warring
1942 - During World War II the islands are Isatubu Freedom Movement, which says factions, Marau Eagle Force and Isatabu
occupied by Japan. There is very heavy fight- it represents the native people of Guadal- Freedom Movement. It is aimed at ending
ing, especially on and around Guadalcanal. canal, begins to forcibly evict Malaitans, two years of conflict.
The Japanese are forced from the islands by whom they accuse of taking jobs and land.
the Allies. The Malaitan Eagle Force (MEF) is formed 2002 - Economic, social problems worsen,
in response. At least 20,000 Malaitans are with the government unable to pay wages
1945, and British rule is restored. forced off Guadalcanal. Fighting breaks out and fund services. In March, international
between the two rival militias. peace monitors withdraw from some posts
1946 - An independence movement, March- amid growing lawlessness. In August, a gov-
ing Rule, is established. 2000 June - The MEF stages an attempted ernment minister is shot dead on the orders
coup. It takes Bartholomew Ulufa’alu hos- of a tribal warlord.
1976 - The islands become fully self-govern- tage. He is subsequently forced to resign and
ing. replaced by Mannasseh Sogavare. 2003 June - Prime Minister Kemakeza
asks for military help from Australia, New
1978 - The islands achieve independence 2000 October - A broad peace treaty be- Zealand as country threatens to spiral into
within the British Commonwealth. Queen tween the two militias, brokered by Austral- anarchy. Pacific foreign ministers back a
Elizabeth II remains head of state. ia, is signed. Unarmed peacekeepers from multinational force. Solomons government
Australia and New Zealand are deployed approves peacekeeping plan in July.
1988 - Solomon Islands join Vanuatu and to supervise the handover of arms, many
Papua New Guinea to form the Spearhead of which were bought after fighting on the
