Michael Somare, a central figure in Papua New Guinea’s independence and the new nation’s first prime minister, died on Friday. He was 84. He was the nation's longest serving government leader after it became independent of Australia in 1975. He was the prime minister for 17 years during four seperate periods.

On February 19, he was admitted and diagnosed with a late stage pancreatic cancer. He passed away this Friday. 

Somare was born on April 9,1936, in the city of Rabaul in East New Britain, which was occupied by Japan during World War II. He was raised the son of a police officer in the province of East Sepik, which he went on to represent in Parliament. Somare has been known as one of the Pacific's most prominent and respected leader.

After 17 years of being one of the eminent leader, the nation's true leader has sadly passed away. May he rest in peace.