16 Sep 2019 | 04:46 PM UTC
Tonga: State funeral for Prime Minister Pōhiva September 19 /update 1
State funeral to be held for Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pōhiva in Nuku'alofa on September 19; heightened security presence expected
Event
A state funeral will be held for Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pōhiva on Thursday, September 19, in Nuku'alofa on the island of Tongatapu. The former leader died in Auckland (New Zealand) on Thursday, September 12, after being hospitalized with pneumonia. The state funeral will be held at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, followed by a burial service at the Telekava Cemetery.
A heightened security presence is expected in the vicinity of the service. Crowded conditions and transportation disruptions are also likely in Nuku'alofa during the event.
Context
Pōhiva 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 Nuku'alofa are advised to respect local customs, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, anticipate government and business disruptions, heightened security measures, and transportation disruptions near funeral events, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.
