Stanley Sofu

Who is Stanley Sofu?

Stanley Festus Sofu is a Solomon Islands politician.

He attended the Honiara Technical Institute from 1981 to 1985, followed by management courses, before working as a heavy plant mechanic. He then obtained a position as a works officer, and eventually as principal works officer, before going into politics. He began his political career as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Malaita Province, becoming Deputy Premier and Education Minister for the Province, before moving on to national politics.

His career in national politics began when he was elected to Parliament as the member for East Kwaio in the April 2006 general election. When Snyder Rini's government was forced to resign in the face of public protests and a motion of no confidence in May, the new Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, appointed Sofu to Cabinet as Minister for Infrastructure and Development. In November 2007, Sofu joined the Opposition and left the Cabinet, but regained a Cabinet position when Sogavare's government was ousted by a motion of no confidence in December. Sogavare's successor, Derek Sikua, returned Sofu to his post as Minister for Infrastructure and Development, which he then held until August 2010.