North Malaita Constituency Tribal Reconciliation Paves The Way Forward For Development

The North Malaita Constituency (NMC) office recently conducted a historic tribal reconciliation program, signifying its readiness to progress socio-economic development for its people and the rest of the constituency.

Held at Fo’ondo from 25th to 27th April 2025, the event was organized specifically for the Abua’ero tribal clan. It was successfully celebrated under the theme: “A Journey of Reconciliation, Reunion, and Restoration of the Abua’ero Tribal Clan”.

The reconciliation aimed not only to resolve grievances and disputes but also to reunite and restore family relationships, paving the way for tangible development in their land.

This initiative was organized by the constituency office under its Land and Tribal Reconciliation program. It was co-funded by the constituency office in collaboration with the Abua’ero tribe, individual families, and other stakeholders.

“Development cannot happen in the air. It happens on the land. So, preparing people and their land for development is paramount,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Nason Nunufia said.

Mr. Nunufia further stated that, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, settling land disputes, reuniting tribes and people, and addressing land issues remain top priorities for fostering development in the constituency.

“Since most of our lands are tribally owned, we must come up with models and avenues to engage people in a people-centred approach to deal with land issues and disputes, a collective paradigm,” Mr. Nunufia emphasized.

He further underscored that “The constituency office believes that for real development to happen, reconciliation must first take place. This is to ensure that people are prepared, organized, and ready to embrace development in their own land.”

At the same time, Mr. Nunufia said that one of the major hindrances to development in our country is land disputes, an issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving an understanding of the complexities of our customary land tenancy arrangement, community leaders’ involvement, and the implementation of practical dispute resolution mechanisms.

A senior officer from the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Ben Oto’ofa, facilitated the reconciliation ceremony.

The event also saw the transfer of tribal leadership titles from Elder Paramount Chief Philip Akote’e Damirara to Silas Benono Wawane, who is now the new Abua’ero Tribal Chief.

CDO Nunufia described the event as emotional and historic, noting that it reunited families for the first time since their great-grandfathers left the land between 1910, some 115 years ago, “especially our lineage from Kwara’ae.”

Families gathered and reunited during the program came from Western Province, Kwara’ae, Langalanga, and North Malaita.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the constituency office, CDO Nunufia acknowledged the new Abua’ero Tribal Chief, Silas Wawane, along with his family, Ben Tobis and his family, Kenley and his family, stakeholders, individual families, and everyone who contributed resources that made the program a success.

He also expressed profound gratitude to Hon. MP Waneoroa for his continued support of important constituency matters and initiatives that can lead to meaningful development for the people.

Mr. Nunufia also recognized Solrice Company for its generous support of 20 bags of rice for the event.

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