Investigation: Five-man assassination squad formed, observes PM, DCGA
LAST November’s failed attempt to force Manasseh Sogavare to step down as Prime Minister has reportedly developed into a much more deadly approach.
An investigation by Solomon Star has found that an assassination squad has been formed and is watching the Government, according to sources.
The group consists of five men allegedly chosen from two practising faiths in the country – three from one and two from the other, our investigation found.
“The five men have been selected for the job because of their professional experiences in handling weapons,” the sources said. The comment suggests that ex-policemen might be involved in the plot to assassinate Prime Minister Sogavare.
“These guys are fully armed with all sorts of weapons. They are more than capable of staging an assassination anytime anywhere. They are willing to carry out the task because they believe they are representing the feelings of ordinary people who are tired of the government,” the sources said.
“The people are tired of this government. They feel that the only way to force a change is to assassinate someone,” the sources told Solomon Star this week.
“Right now they are consulting widely and are listening to views of the ordinary people,” the sources said.
“Yes, some ordinary people have objected because they too are tired of having to go through another ethnic tension-type situation. That however will not deter the assassins should they decide to strike.”
The sources said the group was happy when it learned that the Government was discussing the idea of abandoning plans to extend Parliament by another year.
“Now they are watching to see whether there will be a snap election. All they want is to see an end of the present government. It is the most corrupt government since independence. No one has benefitted from anything except they themselves and their cronies.
“That is why, for instance none of the Government MPs from Malaita Province would be returned at the next election.” There are about seven Malaitan MPs in the ruling DCGA government.
Last November protestors demanded Prime Minister Sogavare step down from office. When he refused, the protest turned violent. Three days of looting, stealing and burning followed.
Properties, homes and shops were destroyed in Chinatown, Kukum and Ranadi areas. The destruction caused half a billion dollars worth of damage to the economy.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
