Andrew Nori facts for kids

Andrew Nori (born 1952, died 9 July 2013) was an important lawyer and politician from the Solomon Islands. He is remembered for his work in government and for his role during a time of conflict in the country.

His father, Nori Nono'oohimae, helped start a group called the Maasina Ruru movement in the 1940s. This group worked to peacefully protest against British rule in the Solomon Islands.

Andrew Nori's Early Career

Andrew Nori was a barrister (a type of lawyer who argues cases in court). He was one of the first people from the Solomon Islands to become a lawyer. Later, he became the head of the Solomon Islands group for lawyers.

Andrew Nori's Political Journey

Andrew Nori started his political career in 1984. He was elected to the National Parliament for the West 'Are'are area.

First Government Role

Prime Minister Sir Peter Kenilorea chose him to be the Minister for Home Affairs and Provincial Government. He held this important job for four years.

Leader of the Opposition

In 1989, Andrew Nori was re-elected to Parliament. He became the leader of the Nationalist Front for Progress political party. For a time, he was the Leader of the Official Opposition. This meant he led the main group of politicians who were not part of the government.

Minister for Finance

He was elected to Parliament for a third time in 1993. Prime Minister Francis Billy Hilly then appointed him as the Minister for Finance. This role meant he was in charge of the country's money matters.

In September 1994, Andrew Nori decided to step down from his role. He said he was doing this until some questions about money transferred to his bank account were cleared up. He did not get his government job back. In the 1997 election, he lost his Parliament seat. This marked the end of his time in national politics.

Role in the Conflict

In the late 1990s, there was conflict on Guadalcanal island. People who had moved there from Malaita island faced violence. An armed group called the Malaita Eagle Force was formed to protect them. Andrew Nori, who was from Malaita, became a key leader and spokesperson for this group.

Leading the Coup

On 5 June 2000, Andrew Nori led the Eagle Force in a major event. They took Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu hostage and asked him to resign. Nori said the Prime Minister had not done enough to stop the conflict. The Eagle Force took control of the capital city, Honiara, for a short time.

Nori told the media that he led this action because he felt there was a need for new leadership. He wanted more focus on finding peace and better ways to solve the conflict. A group from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group soon arrived. Nori welcomed them, hoping they would help bring peace between the groups.

Parliament then voted to choose Manasseh Sogavare as the new Prime Minister. The conflict mostly ended with the Townsville Peace Agreement in October of that year.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2009, Andrew Nori was still working as a lawyer. He spoke out about a new law, saying it might make political problems worse.

By early 2011, he was working as a consultant. He was helping to research traditional land ownership rules across the country. The goal was to create a government policy to make these traditional laws official. In 2012, he was elected President of the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands.

Andrew Nori passed away in a hospital in Honiara on 9 July 2013, after being ill for a long time. The Solomon Star newspaper called him a "great leader" and one of the most important people in the country's history.

Andrew Nori's wife, Delmah Nori, started a political party called the Twelve Pillars to Peace and Prosperity Party in 2010. She also used to be the president of the Solomon Islands Netball Association.