Solomon Islands leader blames unrest on foreign powers

Smoke rises from burning buildings during a protest in Honiara, Solomon Islands (ABC/AP)

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has blamed foreign interference over his government’s decision to switch alliances from Taiwan to Beijing for anti-government protests, arson and looting that have ravaged the capital Honiara in recent days.

But critics also blamed the unrest on complaints of a lack of government services and accountability, corruption and foreign workers taking locals job.