Lionel Aingimea

Lionel Rouwen Aingimea (born 2 September 1965) is a Nauruan lawyer and politician who is serving as the first Vice President of Nauru since 16 April 2026 as well as the current Minister Assisting the President of Nauru. He served as President of Nauru from 2019 to 2022. He formally served as Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Nauru. and as a public defender in the Marshall Islands. He later worked as a lecturer in law at the University of the South Pacific.

Political career

Aingimea ran for election to Parliament in the Meneng constituency in 2013, but failed to be elected. Following the elections, he joined the new administration of President Baron Waqa as Secretary for Justice.

After Russ Kun's election as president, on 28 September 2022, Aingimea began serving as Deputy Speaker under Speaker Marcus Stephen. he was replaced in October 2025 by Isabella Dageago after the 2025 election.

After President David Adeang was sworn in on 30 October 2023, Aingimea was made Minister for Justice, Foreign Affairs, the Nauru Police Force, Nauru Port, Nauru Shipping Line and Minister Assisting the President.

Following a constitutional reform, Aingimea was appointed as the inaugural Vice President of Nauru by President David Adeang.