Papua New Guinea Mourns the Death of its First Prime Minister

Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michale Somare meets with Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke. (Flickr)

Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea’s “father of the nation,” succumbed to pancreatic cancer on February 26 at 84 years old. The country’s government has organized numerous ceremonies over the course of the past two weeks to honor the passing of the state’s most influential and revered leader.

Sir Michael Somare led Papua New Guinea’s independence movement in 1975, becoming the nascent country’s first prime minister in 1977. Over the course of his political career, he served 17 years as prime minister, split between four separate terms. As his country drafted its constitutional foundation, Somare maintained positive diplomatic relations with Australia, ensuring that the transfer to independence was smooth and peaceful. 

In a midnight radio address to the people of a new country, Somare said, “I wish to remind all that this is just the beginning. Now we must stand on our own two feet and work harder than ever before. We are indeed masters of our own destiny.”

The streets of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea's capital city, have been packed with mourners tossing flowers onto Somare’s motorcade and painting their faces with traditional colors. 

Papua New Guinean students have taken to social media platforms to mourn Somare and honor his legacy. 

To memorialize his passing, artists all over the country, inspired by Somare’s political achievements, paid homage to the beloved leader by recreating him using a wide variety of artistic mediums. Somare had deep ties to Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity. During the country’s push for independence, Somare secured funding from Australia to build the national museum and arts center, to help commemorate the country’s artistic image.

Ruth McDougall, curator of Pacific Art at the Queensland Art Gallery, said, “[Somare] was very responsible for creating the institutions and providing the support that enabled artists to begin to explore different techniques and expressing themselves." She explained that in fostering the country’s artistic endeavors, Somare helped unify his people through artistic expression.

The former prime minister’s death has garnered international sympathy as well. While commenting on Somare’s passing, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of PNG. Australians stand with you in this time of sadness. May he rest in peace.”

Somare’s funeral ceremonies will continue over the next few days, and the events are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of mourners. 

Some government officials warn that mass gatherings will only accelerate the country’s COVID-19 infection rate, which has already worsened in recent months. However, it is unlikely that Papua New Guineans will be willing to forgo an in-person commemoration of their country’s deeply respected leader.