From: ASPI The Strategist 1 Mar 2021
Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea’s first prime minister passed away from pancreatic cancer on February 26, 2021, at age 84. He served as prime minister for 17 years (not consecutively), making him the country’s longest-serving leader. He was noted for working with Australia for independence, encouraging unity, turning political opponents into partners, and establishing close relations with other countries in the region. Under his watch, the country played a positive role in the Commonwealth, the United Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
