Tonga: Prime Minister Pohiva dies September 12

Event

Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva died in Auckland (New Zealand) on Thursday, September 12, after being medically evacuated for an illness. Parliament was indefinitely suspended on Thursday and Pohiva’s deputy, Semisi Sika, has reportedly taken over as acting prime minister. As of the morning (local time) of Friday, September 13, details regarding Pohiva’s funeral have not been released. Associated public commemorations are possible in the coming days in Tonga and throughout the region.

Context

Pohiva was first elected as prime minister in 2014 after Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 2010. He was a significant figure in the country’s pro-democracy movement and highly respected by leaders throughout the Pacific region.

Advice

Individuals in Tonga are advised to keep abreast of the situation, respect local customs, and refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media.