Michael Somare

Sir Michael Thomas Somare was a central figure in the history of Papua New Guinea. He is widely known as the "father of the nation" because of his role in its independence. Somare was a politician who served in many high-level roles over several decades. He was the first Prime Minister after the country gained its freedom in 1975. Throughout his career, he held positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Governor of East Sepik Province.

Somare's leadership was defined by his ability to build consensus among many different groups. Papua New Guinea is a country with many diverse people and regions. During the move toward independence, some groups wanted to stay part of Australia. Other groups, such as those in Bougainville or the Highlands, had different ideas about how to govern. Somare worked to bring these "centrifugal forces," or groups pulling in different directions, together. He helped create a coalition government that allowed the nation to move forward as one country.

His political journey began with a focus on social justice and equality. In the 1960s, he was part of a group of educated nationalists known as the "bully beef club." This group protested against the racist nature of colonial rule. In 1967, Somare became a founding member of the Pangu Party. This party was instrumental in leading the country toward independence. While he was a radical advocate for change, he was also a moderate who believed in careful planning. He helped prepare the country for self-government, which began in 1973.

Somare's early life provided a foundation for his many roles. He was born in Rabaul in 1936 to Ludwig Somare Sana and Kambe Somare. His father was a policeman who rose to the rank of sergeant. During World War II, Somare attended a Japanese-run primary school in Karau. There, he learned to read, write, and count in Japanese. After the war, he attended several schools and earned a teaching qualification in 1957. He worked as a teacher before entering politics through roles as a radio announcer and a translator.

Identity played a major role in how Somare presented himself to the world. He often wore a lap-lap, which is a type of sarong, instead of Western trousers. This choice was a way to express his Sepik identity. He drew great strength from his childhood in the Murik Lakes district of East Sepik Province. He even held the honorific title of Sana from his father's line. In his culture, the title of Sana identifies a person as a peacemaker. This role involved the duty of organizing meals for enemies before a fight to prevent conflict.

Somare's time in office was long and marked by several distinct periods. He served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1980, and again from 1982 to 1985. His longest term in office lasted from 2002 to 2011. He also served as the leader of the opposition during various years between 1968 and 2002. In 1995, he became the political governor of East Sepik Province. He held this provincial leadership role until 1999 and again from 2012 to 2016.

His later years included a significant constitutional crisis in Papua New Guinea. In March 2011, Somare was hospitalized in Singapore. During his absence, a majority of parliamentarians declared the Prime Minister's post vacant. This led to Peter O'Neill becoming the new Prime Minister. The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea later ruled on December 12, 2011, that Somare should be reinstated. The court decided that O'Neill had not been lawfully appointed. This legal battle was a major part of the 2011–12 constitutional crisis.

Ultimately, Somare's legacy is tied to the Westminster system of democracy. This is a style of government where leaders can be replaced if they lose parliamentary majorities. Somare insisted on this ministerial system rather than a presidential one when the country became independent. He urged new leaders to understand and respect this system of governance. He remained a significant figure in the National Alliance Party until his retirement from politics in 2017. His life reflected a commitment to the stability and unity of his nation.