Prime Minister Manasseh Sogaware called for the lockdown in a televised address late on Wednesday, as police earlier fired tear gas shells to quell protests.
Media reported that people from Malaita, the country’s most populous island, had traveled to the capital in anger about a host of domestic issues, including promises of unfulfilled infrastructure.
“Our country has witnessed yet another sad and unfortunate incident aimed at toppling a democratically elected government,” Sogaware said.
“I honestly thought we had passed the darkest days in our country’s history, although today’s events are a painful reminder that we have a long way to go.”
A lockdown in Honiara, which will last until 7 a.m. Friday local time, “will allow our law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of today’s events and prevent further lawless destruction,” he said.
The prime minister said that along with looting shops, protesters set fire to a thatched-roof building in Parliament grounds and a police station.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) urged people attending schools and businesses around Honiara to stay at home to avoid being hit by the unrest.
“We want to ensure that our roads, schools and businesses reopen immediately after the lockdown,” RSIPF deputy commissioner Junita Matanga said in a statement.
“I am seeking your cooperation till the situation returns to normal.”
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