Prime Minister Pohiva Dies; Commemorations Possible
Category: Instability
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/13/2019 (Tonga) - Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva passed away on Thursday, 12 September, in Auckland, New Zealand, after suffering from pneumonia. International media outlets state that parliament was suspended on Thursday and Semisi Sika, Pohiva's deputy, has taken over as acting prime minister. Pohiva was elected as Prime Minister in 2014, but spent more than three decades in office after he was first elected into Tonga's parliament in 1987. He was a significant figure in the country's pro-democracy movement, primarily responsible for the democratic reforms that were incorporated into the country's constitution in 2010. The details of his funeral have not yet been released, however, associated public commemorations should be anticipated in the coming days across the country.
Members in Tonga are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings due to the security risk that they pose including exposure to potential crowd disturbances, opportunistic crime and incidental violence. Any large crowds should be avoided and strong situational awareness should be maintained at all times. Members are also encouraged to monitor local news and media for further information relating to possible commemorations and funeral events.
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