Tonga's prime minister and democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva has died at the age of 78, after being rushed to a New Zealand hospital on Wednesday.
Mr Pohiva suffered from ill health in recent years and was flown from the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa but died on Thursday morning in Auckland's City Hospital. A “commoner” who regularly clashed with the Tongan royal family and nobility, he rose from being a school teacher and history lecturer at the University of South Pacific to lead his country.
The late Tongan PM walks alongside Australian PM Scott Morrison at Pacific Island Forum leaders' meeting last month in Tuvalu.Elected to parliament in 1987, in 2014 he became the first “commoner” to be elected prime minister, by parliament rather than appointed by the King, and was returned to office in 2017.
At last month's Pacific Island Forum leaders' meeting, despite being in very poor health, Mr Pohiva argued strongly for action onIt is with a heavy heart that the Brisbane Tongan Community mourns the passing of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Samuela 'Akilisi Põhiva in Auckland, New Zealand aged 78.
lagiseru StefArmbruster He was moved to tears by the intransigence of Scott Morrison actually.
StefArmbruster Pacific beggars should dress like one!
CainTess StefArmbruster A true leader. We must never forget that he fought for civil rights based on democratic principles not only for the Tongan people but for all the people of the Pacific.
StefArmbruster
StefArmbruster Thank you Mr Pohiva for your care and advocacy. We will carry on for you. 💚🌏
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