The Founding Father and The First President of Papua New Guinea

By Konsorsium Biologi
In Politics & Government
10 months ago
4 Min Read
T

Sir Michael Thomas Somare GCL GCMG CH (9 April 1936 – 26 February 2021) was the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, serving from 1975 to 1980 and again from 1982 to 1985 and from 2002 to 2011.

Background and Early Life:

  • Born in Rabaul, New Guinea Territory, on April 9, 1936.
  • Belonged to the Sepik people, an indigenous ethnic group of Papua New Guinea.
  • Received his early education at the Catholic mission school in Vunamami.

Political Career:

  • Entered politics in 1968 when he was elected to the Papua New Guinea House of Assembly.
  • Became the leader of the Pangu Pati, a political party that advocated for independence.
  • Led the country to independence from Australia on September 16, 1975, and became the first Prime Minister.

Achievements and Legacy:

  • Guided Papua New Guinea through its early years of independence, establishing democratic institutions and promoting economic development.
  • Introduced the “Eight Point Plan,” a comprehensive plan for economic and social development.
  • Promoted education and healthcare, expanding access to these services for Papua New Guineans.
  • Negotiated the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001, ending a long-running conflict in the Bougainville region.

Popular Recognition:

  • Widely regarded as the “Father of the Nation” in Papua New Guinea.
  • Received numerous honors, including the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) and the Grand Chief of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).
  • His legacy continues to be celebrated in Papua New Guinea, with landmarks and institutions named after him.
The Papua conflict is an ongoing conflict in Western New Guinea (Papua) between Indonesia and the Free Papua Movement (Indonesian: Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM). Subsequent to the withdrawal of the Dutch administration from the Netherlands New Guinea in 1962 and implementation of Indonesian administration in 1963, the Free Papua Movement has conducted a low-intensity guerrilla war against Indonesia through the targeting of its military, police, as well as civilian populations.Papuan separatists have conducted protests and ceremonies, raising their flag for independence or calling for federation with Papua New Guinea, and accuse the Indonesian government of indiscriminate violence and of suppressing their freedom of expression. Indonesia has also been accused of conducting a genocidal campaign against the indigenous inhabitants. In a 2007 book, author De R. G. Crocombe wrote that an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 Papuans had been killed by Indonesian security forces, and many women raped or subjected to other sexual violence. Research on violence toward Papuan women by the Papuan Women's Working Group, together with the Asia Justice Rights (AJAR), found that 64 out of 170 (or 4 out of 10) Papuan women surveyed in 2013, 2017 experienced some form of state violence. A more recent study in 2019 found that 65 out of 249 Papuan women shared such experiences.Indonesian governance in the region has been compared to that of a police state, involving the suppression of free political association and expression, although others have noted conflicts in Papua are instead caused by the near or total absence of state involvement in some areas.The Indonesian authorities continue to restrict foreign access to the region due to what they officially claim to be "safety and security concerns". Some organizations have called for a peacekeeping mission in the area.

Emblem of Papua New Guinea

To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Panama, Palau and Pakistan. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) is a university located in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea. It was established by ordinance of the Australian administration in 1965. This followed the Currie Commission which had enquired into higher education in Papua New Guinea. The University of Papua New Guinea Act No. 18, 1983 bill repealing the old Ordinance was passed by the National Parliament in August 1983. The university has moved from a departmental to a school structure to foster interdisciplinary and inter-school relationships. The university's library is known as the Michael Somare Library, named after the country's first Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. Multiple sources have included it among the best universities in Papua New Guinea.

The official residence and symbol of the Papua New Guinea President

10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Papua New Guinea’s History

The President's Office in Papua New Guinea
The President’s Office in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has had several popular leaders who have made significant contributions to the country’s development and politics. Here are 10 of the most popular presidents in Papua New Guinea:

  • Michael Somare (1975-1980, 1982-1985, 2002-2010): A prominent figure in PNG’s history, known as the “father of the nation.” He played a significant role in gaining independence and served as Prime Minister for three non-consecutive terms.
  • Sir Julius Chan (1980-1982, 1994-1997): A well-respected leader who served two terms as Prime Minister. He introduced economic reforms and played a crucial role in developing PNG’s mining and petroleum sectors.
  • Bill Skate (1997-1999): Known for his focus on grassroots development, Skate implemented policies aimed at reducing corruption and improving access to basic services. He was seen as a champion for the poor and disadvantaged.
  • Mekere Morauta (1999-2002): Morauta’s leadership was characterized by his efforts to tackle corruption and stabilize the economy. He implemented reforms that attracted foreign investments and enhanced transparency in governance.
  • Peter O’Neill (2011-2019): O’Neill served as Prime Minister for nearly eight years and focused on infrastructure development and social welfare programs. His government implemented free education and healthcare policies, improving access for many Papua New Guineans.
  • James Marape (2019-present): Marape’s leadership has been centered around robust economic growth and empowering local communities. He has prioritized the development of the country’s resource-rich provinces and advocated for fair resource deals with foreign companies.
  • Sir Michael Ogio (2010-2017): Ogio was the Governor-General rather than the President, but he holds a special place in PNG’s history as the country’s first indigenous Governor-General. He advocated for unity and peace during his tenure.
  • Paias Wingti (1985-1988, 1992-1994): As the country’s third Prime Minister, Wingti played a significant role in introducing democratic reforms. He oversaw the transition from a single-party system to a multi-party democracy.
  • Arthur Somare (2002): Son of Michael Somare, Arthur briefly served as acting Prime Minister. He was highly regarded for his intelligence and commitment to serving the people of PNG.
  • Rabbie Namaliu (1988-1992): Namaliu’s leadership focused on improving PNG’s international relations and implementing economic policies that promoted growth and development. He also played a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation in the Pacific.

These presidents have left a lasting impact on Papua New Guinea through their policies, leadership style, and contributions to the country’s development. Their popularity stems from their dedication to improving the lives of Papua New Guineans and their efforts to promote unity, economic growth, and social welfare.

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