5 Maasina Men
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Edward Acton Cavanough
Abstract
When the Second World War reached the Solomons in 1942, the ethnic Malaitans became intimately involved. As the war wound down, these experiences gave rise to a new organisation that would aim to advance Malaitan national identity, pursue greater Malaitan autonomy and even wrest control of the island from the British altogether: Maasina Ruru, or Marching Rule. Maasina Ruru was founded by a handful of tribal leaders, but its message spread rapidly. Malaita’s long history of resistance to and scepticism of external influence continued after Solomon Islands emerged as an independent state in 1978. In 2019, a new candidate in Ward 5 of Fataleka Constituency, a mountainous, isolated district in Malaita’s northeast, put his hand up for election. His name was Daniel Suidani. The centrality of Malaita Province to the national affairs of Solomon Islands meant that Suidani now held one of the country’s most highprofile seats.
Abstract
When the Second World War reached the Solomons in 1942, the ethnic Malaitans became intimately involved. As the war wound down, these experiences gave rise to a new organisation that would aim to advance Malaitan national identity, pursue greater Malaitan autonomy and even wrest control of the island from the British altogether: Maasina Ruru, or Marching Rule. Maasina Ruru was founded by a handful of tribal leaders, but its message spread rapidly. Malaita’s long history of resistance to and scepticism of external influence continued after Solomon Islands emerged as an independent state in 1978. In 2019, a new candidate in Ward 5 of Fataleka Constituency, a mountainous, isolated district in Malaita’s northeast, put his hand up for election. His name was Daniel Suidani. The centrality of Malaita Province to the national affairs of Solomon Islands meant that Suidani now held one of the country’s most highprofile seats.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Map of Solomon Islands ix
- Milestones in the History of Solomon Islands xi
- Introduction 1
- I Island Universe 11
- 1 ‘Afuera! ’ 15
- 2 Jungle Road 25
- II Restive state 33
- 3 Running Aground 35
- 4 Manasseh of East Choiseul 49
- 5 Maasina Men 71
- III The switch 83
- 6 Devil’s Night 85
- 7 Escape from Adeliua 100
- 8 The Games 112
- 9 Rivers of Gold 120
- IV Rebellion 131
- 10 ‘No Need China!’ 133
- 11 Wuhan Window 148
- 12 Honiara Burning 165
- V Twisted iron 175
- 13 Seeking Protection 177
- 14 Red Line 188
- 15 Arc of Anxiety 201
- VI Where the North Road ends 211
- 16 Henderson Concession 213
- 17 East to Fataleka 225
- 18 Mustafa Rising 244
- 19 Making a Martyr 260
- Epilogue 271
- Notes 285
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Map of Solomon Islands ix
- Milestones in the History of Solomon Islands xi
- Introduction 1
- I Island Universe 11
- 1 ‘Afuera! ’ 15
- 2 Jungle Road 25
- II Restive state 33
- 3 Running Aground 35
- 4 Manasseh of East Choiseul 49
- 5 Maasina Men 71
- III The switch 83
- 6 Devil’s Night 85
- 7 Escape from Adeliua 100
- 8 The Games 112
- 9 Rivers of Gold 120
- IV Rebellion 131
- 10 ‘No Need China!’ 133
- 11 Wuhan Window 148
- 12 Honiara Burning 165
- V Twisted iron 175
- 13 Seeking Protection 177
- 14 Red Line 188
- 15 Arc of Anxiety 201
- VI Where the North Road ends 211
- 16 Henderson Concession 213
- 17 East to Fataleka 225
- 18 Mustafa Rising 244
- 19 Making a Martyr 260
- Epilogue 271
- Notes 285
