Joseph Canisius Kabui (1954 – 7 June 2008) was a secessionist leader and the first President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, off the coast of Papua New Guinea, from 2005 to 2008. He was also the leader of the Bougainville People's Congress.

Political career

Kabui was a commander in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the war in Bougainville in the 1990s. In June 2005, after the island gained autonomy within Papua New Guinea, he was elected as President of Bougainville by a large majority, winning 38,000 out of 69,385 votes.

Death and funeral

Kabui went to Brisbane for medical treatment prior. He died on 7 June 2008 at a hospital in Buka. A state funeral was held for Kabui at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Boroko

Kabui was believed to have died of a heart attack. In an interview with the newspaper Port-Courier, that he gave 12 hours before his death, Kabui said that he had stopped taking his heart medicine four months beforehand and was taking a water tonic instead because the medicine was too expensive. He dismissed suggestions of seeking help, saying that "I am not a man that would ask for things that concern me", and he also said that he had missed a medical check-up because he was too busy with work. His next check-up was scheduled for later in June, but he noted that the necessary trip to Australia was expensive as well. Planning for a new popular election subsequently began.

See also

  • Francis Ona

References

  • The Age: Bougainville elects Joseph Kabui as president
  • More about Kabui and the secessionists
  • Brisbane Times: Bougainville president 'a man of peace'
  • PNG Prime Minister's office: A Tribute By PM to Kabui