About
Sir Michael Thomas Somare was a prominent Papua New Guinean politician, often referred to as the "father of the nation." He was the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea after its independence. He holds the record for the longest-serving prime minister, with 17 years in office across three separate terms. Somare's career spanned from 1968 to 2017 and included roles as foreign affairs minister, opposition leader, and governor.
Career Timeline
Elected to Parliament
Entered the House of Assembly before independence.
First Prime Minister
Became the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
Lost Prime Ministership
Lost a vote of no confidence and stepped down as Prime Minister.
Returned as Prime Minister
Returned to the role of Prime Minister.
Suspended from Office
Suspended from office amid political disputes.
Retirement from Politics
Retired from politics after a long career.
Michael Somare Dies
Sir Michael Somare passed away. He is remembered as the 'father of the nation' in Papua New Guinea.
Fading National Memory
While a monumental figure in PNG's history, Somare is less well-known to the international community and younger generations within PNG.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026