Peter Tsiamalili

Peter Sobby Tsiamalili (1952 or 1953 – 15 April 2007) was a Papua New Guinean civil servant who served as the first chief administrator of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) following successful elections in June 2005. Tsiamalili also served as a diplomat and ambassador representing Papua New Guinea abroad in Fiji and Belgium.

Early life as a porter

Tsiamalili enrolled at the Administrative College of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby during the 1960s. He studied to become a government officer, which is commonly called a "kiap" by Papuans.

Career

Following the completion of his education and training, Tsiamalili worked his way up the bureaucratic ladder to become the provincial secretary of the North Solomons Province, which is now known as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Tsiamalili served as provincial secretary under the government of then North Solomons Province Premier Joseph Kabui. Following his stints as an ambassador, Tsiamalili was appointed to be the secretary for the PNG Foreign Affairs Department.

The PNG government cabinet under Michael Somare appointed Tsiamalili as the first administrator of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville following the elections.

Bougainville's first President, Joseph Kabui, described Tsiamalili's death as a tragic loss to Bougainville because much of the reconciliation and redevelopment process on the island was spearheaded by Tsiamalili,

Tsiamalili's funeral was held at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Port Moresby. Dignitaries at the funeral included Governor-General Paulias Matane, PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare, Bougainville President Joseph Kabui, Bougainville Affairs Minister Sir Peter Barter, Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari, as well as other politicians, diplomats and relatives. Watawi and other officials were reportedly drinking beer while others were mourning at the funeral, and were immediately asked to leave the village.

The Chiefs of Torokina district, who represented the Tsiamalili family as well as the people of Amun, Tokoro, Konua, Kerika and Torokina, expressed disgust over the incident and demanded an explanation from the Bougainvillean autonomous government with 48 hours. Petitions were given to Kabui by a women's NGO and former combatants of the Bougainville conflict calling for their immediate removal from office. Kabui named John Tabinaman as the new vice-president.