Michael Somare

Papua New Guinean political figure, former prime minister

Sir Michael Thomas Somare GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC (9 April 1936 – 26 February 2021) was a Papua New Guinean politician. His career lasted from 1968 until his retirement in 2017. He was the longest serving Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (17 years). He was the country's first Prime Minister.[1]


Sir Michael Somare

1st Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
In office
17 January 2011 – 4 April 2011
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor GeneralSir Michael Ogio
Preceded bySam Abal (acting)
Succeeded bySam Abal (acting)
In office
5 August 2002 – 13 December 2010
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor GeneralSir Silas Atopare
Bill Skate (acting)
Jeffrey Nape (acting)
Sir Paulias Matane
Preceded bySir Mekere Morauta
Succeeded bySam Abal (acting)
In office
2 August 1982 – 21 November 1985
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor GeneralSir Tore Lokoloko
Sir Kingsford Dibela
Preceded bySir Julius Chan
Succeeded byPaias Wingti
In office
16 September 1975 – 11 March 1980
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor GeneralSir John Guise
Sir Tore Lokoloko
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byJulius Chan
Personal details
Born(1936-04-09)9 April 1936
Rabaul, Territory of New Guinea
Died26 February 2021(2021-02-26) (aged 84)
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Political partyNational Alliance Party
Spouse(s)Veronica Somare

Somare died on 26 February 2021 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from pancreatic cancer, aged 84.[2][3]

References change

  1. "Somare – A political survivor", Rowan Callick, Islands Business, May 2008
  2. Harriman, Bethanie; Kora, Belinda. "Sir Michael Somare, first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, dies at age of 84". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  3. Kuku, Rebecca; Doherty, Ben. "Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea's 'Father of the Nation', dies aged 84". The Guardian.

Other websites change