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Taneti Maamau

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Taneti Maamau
Maamau in 2023
6th President of Kiribati
Assumed office
11 March 2016
Vice PresidentKourabi Nenem
Teuea Toatu
Preceded byAnote Tong
Personal details
Born (1960-09-16) 16 September 1960 (age 64)
Onotoa, Gilbert and Ellice Islands
Political partyTobwaan Kiribati Party
SpouseTeiraeng Tentoa Maamau
Alma materUniversity of the South Pacific
University of Queensland

Taneti Maamau (born 16 September 1960) is an I-Kiribati politician who has served as the fifth president of Kiribati since 11 March 2016.[1] Maamau is a member of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party. His policies are targeted at strengthening Kiribati's weak economy and alleviating social issues. His government announced the Kiribati Vision for 20 Years (KV20), which plans to develop the tourism and fishing industries with aid from foreign investors.

Maamau's government stopped recognizing Taiwan in favour of closer ties with China, drawing concern from within his own party, the opposition and Western countries. He dismissed his predecessor's "Migration With Dignity" climate change policy. After his reelection in 2020, Maamau unveiled plans to combat rising sea levels by raising Kiribati's islands. This would be partly through dredging and supported by aid from foreign allies such as China. In 2022, Maamau's government was widely criticized for causing a constitutional crisis by suspending all superior court judges.

Early life and career

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Taneti Maamau was born on 16 September 1960. Hailing from Onotoa, Maamau attended the University of the South Pacific before taking a master's degree at the University of Queensland in Australia. In 2003, he completed his thesis on industrialization and trade policies in India.[2]

In 1997, Maamau began public service as a Planning Officer with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. President Teburoro Tito made Maamau the ministry's permanent secretary in the mid-1990s, and Maamau went on to also be secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.[2][3]

In 2002, Maamau resigned from public service to join politics and won one of two seats for Onotoa in 2007. In 2011 and in 2015, he was re-elected a member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu (parliament).[4] Anote Tong served as president from 2003 to 2016. Maamau was part of the opposition.[2]

After the 2015–16 parliamentary election, the United Coalition and Maurin Kiribati Parties combined to become the Tobwaan Kiribati Party. In February 2016, they endorsed Maamau as their candidate for the presidential election.[2] He also received support from Tito.[5] He won the election and was officially declared President after winning against the ruling party by nearly 60%. He was sworn in on 11 March 2016.[1][2]

Presidency

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2016–2020

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Maamau's policies target economic and social issues.[6] In a legislative session in April, the government announced policy changes which extended free education to year 12. It established a committee to investigate corruption and abuse of power and gave a $1 million grant to the two major Christian churches.[7]

Despite lack of sanitation, employment, and the rising cost of living in the capital of South Tarawa, many I-Kiribati from the outer islands migrate there. Maamau attempted to develop the coconut trade and manufacturing to reduce migration and poverty. In the same session, he doubled the copra subsidy, which ensures a guaranteed price for citizens selling copra to the government, from the $1 per kilo set by Tong. A journalist for Inside Climate News reported that consequently, on Abaiang, there is a smaller supply of coconuts. Copra cutters became fiercely competitive to the point of harvesting unripe crop. The subsidy accounted for 14% of the government's expected annual expenses.[6][7]

Anote Tong's administration held the position that relocation was probably inevitable, due to climate change and rising sea levels. Tong spread awareness of the country's situation internationally. However, Maamau dismissed Tong's policy of "migration with dignity".[8] Maamau does not deny climate change, but follows the common belief that only divine will could destroy Kiribati.[6]

At COP23 in 2017, Maamau said that "my government has decided to put aside the misleading and pessimistic scenario of a sinking nation."[9] He presented a video describing his Kiribati Vision for 20 Years (KV20), which includes investing in tourism and fisheries to remove Kiribati from poverty and raising land in Tarawa to build new homes.[6][10] He also mentioned seeking foreign aid and investors to develop business and tourism, including the construction of resorts.[11] No climate change adaptation actions were taken between 2017 and 2019, the year the government published the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (KJIP).[12]

Matthieu Rytz, the filmmaker who made Anote's Ark, a documentary on climate change in Kiribati supported by Anote Tong, said that he was detained in January 2018 and his laptop was confiscated. Rytz also claimed that the government was deporting all foreign journalists following the Butiraoi ferry disaster, and was cracking down on media freedom.[13]

In August 2018, Maamau was installed as the Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.[2]

In September 2019, Maamau switched Kiribati's recognition from Taiwan to China.[14] As a result, thirteen MPs left his party to form their own Kiribati First Party, led by former chair Banuera Berina. Calling them "traitors", Maamau said he was surprised but respected their decision. Berina alleged that Maamau did not consult the MPs before making the switch.[15]

Maamau allegedly said Taiwan repeatedly ignored his requests to contribute to KV20, including by buying Kiribati a $30 million Brazilian airliner. In March, Taiwanese Tsai Ing-wen failed to visit Kiribati while on an official tour of the region, which the government viewed as a snub. Berina said he split off after learning from Taiwanese sources that Tsai was actually enthusiastic but was told she could not visit because Maamau was in Fiji.[16] The switch was criticized by the first president, Ieremia Tabai, and other opposition members, who organized pro-Taiwan protests in Tarawa.[17]

2020–present

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On 6 January, Maamau signed a memorandum of understanding in China joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi Jinping, after meeting with Maamau, praised Kiribati's government for being "on the right side of history."[18] In the 2020 parliamentary elections, Maamau's party also lost the parliamentary majority, winning only 20 seats.[16] He ran for re-election in the 2020 presidential election against Berina.[19] There were accusations of corruption by both sides.[20] Berina promised to reverse the pro-China switch if elected.[21][22] Taneti won the election by 59% of the vote and was officially sworn in for his second term on 24 June 2020.[19]

In August, Maamau announced plans to elevate Kiribati's islands through dredging. He sought support from allies such as China for the projects, which he said would require billions of dollars, but said that he would maintain Kiribati's independence and not take out large loans from other countries. He also refuted American concerns that his government would allow a Chinese military base to be built on Kiritimati.[9][20] Tong bought land in Fiji, which he stated I-Kiribati people could be moved to if rising sea levels rendered islands uninhabitable. There was speculation that Maamau would give or sell the estate to China. In February 2021, Maamau announced plans to develop it into a commercial farm, with China providing "technical assistance".[23]

In October 2020, Maamau and four other Micronesian leaders threatened to withdraw their countries from the Pacific Islands Forum, which they felt did not support their interests. A Polynesian candidate had been elected Secretary-General instead of their preferred Micronesian nominee, which they felt breached a "gentleman's agreement" to cycle the position through the various regions.[24][25] Maamau withdrew Kiribati from the forum in July 2022.[26] It was seen as a setback to Pacific regionalism as China increased its influence in the region, fueling geopolitical tension. In 2023, Kiribati rejoined the forum.[27]

In the 2022 Kiribati constitutional crisis, the government's treatment of judges was condemned by judicial bodies.[28] In September 2022, Maamau indefinitely suspended Australian-born judge David Lambourne. The opposition saw this as a punishment for his wife, their leader Tessie Eria Lambourne. Maamau did the same of all three court of appeal judges and the chief justice after they ruled against Lambourne's deportation.[29][30]

Kiribati had no COVID-19 cases for the first two years of the pandemic. On 22 January 2022, the government announced a lockdown after people on the first passenger fight in 10 months tested positive. It spread to Tarawa, where a freelance journalist, Rimon Rimon, told Time magazine that many were unhappy with the government for opening its borders while there was an outbreak in Fiji.[31][32] Maamau's office implored citizens to get vaccinations.[32] At the time, only 50% were fully vaccinated.[31]

Maamau's government has backed deep sea mining, which puts it at odds with environmental groups.[33]

In March 2024, Reuters reported that Chinese police were working alongside I-Kiribati officers as part of China's plans to form security ties with the Pacific Islands. This was a point of contention for countries such as Australia and the US, who were concerned that China was trying to increase extraterritorial control and surveillance.[34][35] Pro-China relations, climate policy, and cost of living will be major issues in the 2024 elections.[36] Maamau was re-elected for Onotoa in the parliamentary elections, making him eligible to be put forward as a candidate in the presidential elections.[37][38]

Personal life

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Maamau has served as a deacon of the Kiribati Uniting Church years before entering politics. He is married to Teiraeng Tentoa Maamau, a woman from Tabiteuea, with whom he has three children and two grandchildren.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Taneti Maamau declared new president of Kiribati". RNZ. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f The Statesman's Yearbook 2024: The Politics, Cultures and Economies of the World. Palgrave Macmillan. 2022. p. 667. ISBN 9781349960767.
  3. ^ a b "The President". Office of Te Beretitenti. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Maneaba Ni Maungatabu" (PDF). Parliament.gov.ki. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Pacific Islands News Association : PACNEWS - News reader". Pina.com.fj. Archived from the original on 4 April 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d Walker, Ben (20 November 2017). "An Island Nation Turns Away from Climate Migration, Despite Rising Seas". Inside Climate News. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  7. ^ a b Pareti, Samisoni (12 May 2016). "Kiribati reforms; Free education, corruption probe, pay rise". Islands Business. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  8. ^ Nunn, Patrick D.; Kumar, Roselyn (10 August 2020). "Pacific people have been 'pummelled and demeaned' for too long – now they're fighting back". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  9. ^ a b Board, Jack (4 August 2024). "Migration with dignity? Kiribati swaps escape to purchased Fiji plot for sea walls to save their land". CNA. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  10. ^ Bowers, Mike (22 October 2017). "Waiting for the tide to turn: Kiribati's fight for survival". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  11. ^ "As climate change threatens islands, Kiribati's president plans development". CBS News. 20 November 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  12. ^ Chang, Ti-han; Collie, Lyn (2022), "New Zealand's Political Responses to Climate Change and Migration in the Pacific: A Perspective from the South", Pacific Voices and Climate Change, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 61–87, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-98460-1_4, ISBN 978-3-030-98459-5, archived from the original on 23 August 2024, retrieved 4 August 2024
  13. ^ "Kiribati criticism of 'Anote's Ark' political - film director". Radio New Zealand. 3 July 2018. Archived from the original on 10 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  14. ^ Lyons, Kate (20 September 2019). "Taiwan loses second ally in a week as Kiribati switches to China". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  15. ^ "Kiribati president decries loss of majority". Radio New Zealand. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  16. ^ a b Pala, Christopher (24 April 2020). "Pro-China Kiribati president loses majority over switch from Taiwan". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  17. ^ "Opposition organises anti-China protest march in Kiribati". Radio New Zealand. 27 September 2019. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  18. ^ Lyons, Kate (7 January 2020). "'On right side of history': Xi Jinping praises Kiribati for switch to China". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Kiribati's pro-China leader wins re-election in blow to Taiwan". Reuters. 23 June 2020. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  20. ^ a b Pala, Christopher (10 August 2020). "Kiribati's president's plans to raise islands in fight against sea-level rise". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  21. ^ "Two former allies to face off for Kiribati presidency". RNZ. 22 May 2020. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  22. ^ Pala, Christopher (23 June 2020). "Boost for Beijing: pro-China president wins re-election in Kiribati". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  23. ^ Pala, Christopher (24 February 2021). "Kiribati and China to develop former climate-refuge land in Fiji". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Micronesian countries challenge PIF to appoint their joint candidate or face mass withdrawal from PIF". Fiji Times. 5 October 2020. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  25. ^ "Micronesian nations to withdraw from forum if concerns not heeded". Radio New Zealand. 4 October 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  26. ^ "Kiribati withdraws from Pacific Islands Forum". Radio New Zealand. 10 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  27. ^ Lyons, Kate (30 January 2024). "Kiribati to return to Pacific Islands Forum at vital moment for regional diplomacy". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  28. ^ "Motion of no confidence over Kiribati's treatment of judges". Islands Business. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Australian-born judge challenges deportation from Kiribati amid long-running judicial crisis". The Guardian. 26 March 2024. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  30. ^ "The president vs the judge: How Kiribati came to a constitutional standoff | Lowy Institute". www.lowyinstitute.org. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  31. ^ a b Gunia, Amy (1 February 2022). "COVID-19 Rushes Into the Pacific Islands After 2 Years". Time. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Kiribati goes into first lockdown after Covid flight cases". BBC News. 22 January 2022. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  33. ^ Needham, Kirsty (13 August 2024). "Kiribati goes to election in which China ties, climate stance face test". Reuters. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  34. ^ Needham, Kirsty (23 February 2024). "Exclusive: Chinese police work in Kiribati, Hawaii's Pacific neighbour". Reuters. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  35. ^ Johnson, Blake (12 March 2024). "Why Chinese policing in Pacific island countries is a problem". The Strategist. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Kiribati's pro-China government faces test as election begins". The Guardian. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  37. ^ "Kiribati national elections begin on Wednesday". Pacific Beat (Podcast). ABC Radio. 13 August 2024. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  38. ^ Needham, Kirsty (15 August 2024). "Kiribati president keeps seat in election's first stage". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by President of Kiribati
2016–present
Incumbent