Solomon Islanders take stock after deadly riots

Calm returned to the Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara yesterday after days of rioting left at least three dead and reduced sections of the city to ruins. Petrol stations, shops and other businesses began to reopen, with people in Honiara flocking to buy basic provisions as the violence ebbed. Heavily armed police were a visible presence on the streets as locals began clean-up operations and limited bus services resumed. For three straight days, mobs cut through the usually sleepy seaside capital, demanding the removal of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Australia and Papua New Guinea sent about 150 peacekeepers to help control the riots.