Papua New Guinea PM Slams Biden’s Cannibalism Remark

Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea has issued a measured response to recent comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the fate of his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, a pilot who went missing during World War II in Papua New Guinea. Biden’s remarks, made at a war memorial event in Pennsylvania, suggested that Finnegan may have been eaten by cannibals in the region.

Marape expressed his disappointment with Biden’s comments, stating that while he believed they were likely a “slip of the tongue,” they were nonetheless damaging and did not reflect the true nature of Papua New Guinea or its people. He emphasized that Papua New Guinea’s involvement in World War II was not of its own choosing but a consequence of being part of a global conflict.

The Prime Minister called on the Biden administration to recognize the historical context of World War II in Papua New Guinea and to assist in efforts to recover the remains of servicemen like Finnegan. He highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict and called for greater understanding and sensitivity in discussions about Papua New Guinea’s history.

Marape’s response comes at a time when Papua New Guinea is seeking to strengthen its ties with both the United States and China. Just a day before his comments, Marape hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Port Moresby, where the two discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Papua New Guinea has also signed a defense and maritime cooperation agreement with the United States, underscoring its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.

It is important to note that Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges related to its wartime past, including the presence of unexploded ordnance from World War II. Despite these challenges, the country remains committed to building a peaceful and prosperous future for its people and maintaining positive relationships with its international partners.