Ishmael Toroama

Ishmael Toroama (born 28 February 1969) is a Bougainvillean politician who was elected President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in 2020. He is a former commander in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.

Early life Toroama was born in Roreinang in the Kieta District in Central Bougainville on 28 February 1969 and educated at the local school and at Hutjena High School. After dropping out of school, he worked for the Tonolei Development Corporation. In 1997 he was injured by a rocket-propelled grenade. In 1999 he became the BRA's chief of defence, succeeding Sam Kauona.

Political career Toroama repeatedly ran unsuccessfully for office following the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. In the 2010 Bougainvillean general election he ran unsuccessfully for the seat of South Nasioi, and in the 2012 Papua New Guinean general election he failed to win the seat of Central Bougainville.

In December 2019 he announced his intention to stand for president in the 2020 Bougainvillean general election. He subsequently launched the Bougainville People’s Alliance Party to contest the Bougainville House of Representatives. He performed well in the election, leading the count at the 21st elimination, and ultimately winning the presidency. He was formally sworn in as president on 25 September 2020. He appointed his Cabinet on 2 October 2020. He was reelected president in the 2025 Bougainvillean general election.

Personal life Ishmael Toroama is married to Betty Toroama, with whom he has three children: Doreen, Esau, and Victor.