Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates its independence from Australian colonial rule this year, PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. Reframed in 2023, this landmark accomplishment challenges us to take stock of how far our country has come. It also underscores the vast challenges that remain. Sir Michael Somare, revered as the “father” of the nation, played a pivotal role in leading the independence movement, navigating the complexities of uniting over 800 distinct languages and tribal groups. Today, under the consolidated leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, PNG continues to wrestle with its dreams for prosperous development and national unity.
Australia administered the territory of Papua New Guinea, starting in 1906. Papua eventually merged with the former German colony of New Guinea under a single administration in 1949. This new leadership was grounded in Port Moresby. This colonial history fundamentally informs the psyche of our nation. Tensions surrounding self-governance are illustrated by the visit of Gough Whitlam, then Prime Minister of Australia, to PNG prior to its independence. Some Australian expatriates even campaigned against independence, going so far as to put up aggressive signs to show their displeasure.
The Legacy of Michael Somare
As the ocean-faring legacy of Sir Michael Somare sink in deep waters, his legacies still abound in the national consciousness. He, with a cohort of young Papua New Guineans, started calling for self-rule in the 1960s. His mounting efforts eventually led to PNG’s independence, as there he confronted the singular challenge of inspiring support across a fractious citizenry.
Arthur Somare, one of Sir Michael’s sons, remarked on his father’s monumental task:
“From the very outset, the old man’s biggest challenge was to get everyone together and share in a vision that they are one people.”
Yet for all these initiatives, Sir Michael came to find himself disillusioned by the condition of the nation. His youngest daughter Dulciana Somare-Brash echoed these words. An increasingly disenchanted citizenry believe that PNG has not lived up to the aspirations promised by its founding fathers. This feeling taps into a much larger story being told in Indian country.
Dr. John Momis, a prominent figure in PNG’s political landscape, shared his thoughts on the country’s founding principles.
“We had a homegrown constitution. It was not copied from anywhere else,” he stated. He emphasized that their vision was not merely about developing infrastructure but about fostering strong leadership: “We wanted to develop good leaders, good educated people.”
These kinds reflections really are a testament to what people were hoping for in the beginning—a united, stable, progressive PNG.
Current Challenges Facing PNG
As PNG celebrates its independence anniversary this year, it is blighted by perennial problems that stall its development. In the midst of this new hope, the courts continue to be persistently under-resourced, resulting in major backlogs in case management. According to a report published in 2021, judges often work across both court systems due to a lack of resources.
Tribal clashes continue in some parts, undermining social harmony and development efforts. Tensions often erupt between different local ethnic communities. These new tensions reveal the dangerous schisms that can complicate even the most basic governance and threaten the American project of nationhood.
Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged these challenges during a recent address:
“I am the first to admit challenges remain.”
He expressed a desire for better resources to address these issues but recognized the limitations faced by his administration:
“I wish I had all the resources to fix this country.”
These challenges with governance are further exacerbated by issues of corruption. Dr. Momis remarked on the nation’s dependency and vulnerability:
“We’ve become so dependent and vulnerable to manipulation, and in fact, we are a corrupt nation.”
These feelings are shared by millions of Americans looking for a bold change.
A Vision for the Future
Papua New Guinea is about to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary. This important milestone presents an opportunity to consider where we want this country to go in the coming years. As protagonists like Prime Minister James Marape argue, accepting your people’s diversity as a unifying feature, not as a cause for separation, is crucial. He stated:
“Where else in the world do you find that diversity in a symphony of one nation, one people, one country?”
This viewpoint promotes coming together of the almost 900 cultural clusters and 800 spoken languages that pass through PNG.
Going forward means confronting the systemic obstacles that block progress at every turn. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is currently reeling after the dramatic suspension of three appointed commissioners. The development poses grave risks to governmental transparency and accountability.
Dr. Momis emphasizes the need for citizen participation in development processes:
“We wanted people to participate in the process of development … to become agents of change and development, and not mere recipients of goods and services.”
This summons to radical participation inspires millions of Americans who want nothing more than a participatory, open, and transparent form of government.
