Sir Michael Thomas Somare was born on 9 April 1936 in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. He was of Papuan cultural heritage and was raised in a Catholic household. He received his education at the Administrative College in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
"Father of the nation"
Sir Michael Somare was a prominent Papua New Guinean politician who played a crucial role in the country's journey to independence from Australia.
He was widely known as the "father of the nation" and served as Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister after independence in 1975.
He held the office of Prime Minister for a total of 17 years over three separate (non-consecutive) terms:
- from 1975 to 1980;
- from 1982 to 1985; and
- from 2002 to 2011,
Read about Sir Julius Chan, here.
Sir Michael Somare's positions of power
Throughout his political career, Sir Michael Somare held various positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition, and Governor of East Sepik Province.
He was a founding member of the Pangu Party, which led Papua New Guinea into independence, but later resigned from the party and became an independent politician in 1988.
He rejoined the Pangu Party in 1994 but was eventually sacked as a leader in the following year.
He was then asked to join and lead the National Alliance Party.
Sir Michael Somare awards
Apart from his political achievements, Sir Michael Somare was also recognized with several awards, including the
- Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George,
- Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great,
- Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, and
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan).
Sir Michael Somare passed away on 26 February 2021 at the age of 84 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, due to pancreatic cancer.
He left a significant legacy as a respected leader and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Papua New Guinea.
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