Solomons announce inquiry into April riots

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has formally announced a commission of inquiry into riots in April.

The probe is expected to examine the role played by MPs Charles Dausabea and Nelson Nee, who are in jail facing charges of inciting the violence.

The election of Snyder Rini as prime minister on April 18 sparked two days of rioting in the capital, Honiara, with ethnic Chinese businesses targeted for burning and looting.

Mr Sogavare said a four-member Commission of Inquiry would examine the events of the unrest.

He said it would be led by retired Australian federal court judge, Marcus Einfield.

The prime minister has appealed to Solomon Islanders to assist in unravelling the truth about the events.

"If there was indeed much more to what we know about what happened, this is our only chance to come out and tell the truth to set the record straight for the history of Solomon Islands," he said.

The inquiry will commence work before the end of July and is expected to be completed within six months.