Prime Minister James Marape has called on Papua New Guineans to embrace a “national reset” as the country approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to use National Repentance Day to seek forgiveness, reconcile, and recommit the nation to God.
Speaking to thousands gathered in Port Moresby and across the country, Marape invoked the words of Papua New Guinea’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who in 1975 declared that no human wisdom could unite the nation’s thousand tribes and 800 languages without being anchored in God.
“Sir Michael told us that no human wisdom can hold this land together,” Marape said. “He said this nation must be anchored in God, and God alone. Today, standing at the threshold of our 50th year, I see the deep wisdom in his words.”
Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, Marape said true repentance required more than words and must lead to transformation in families, communities, and public institutions.
In a significant gesture, the Prime Minister formally withdrew a curse he had pronounced in 2019 against corruption and those who practised it. At the time, he declared corruption was holding the nation back.
“Today, on this Repentance Day, I withdraw that curse word, but corruption must still be condemned,” he said. “I release it to God, and I call on every leader, every public servant, and every citizen to repent and work honestly for our country.”
Marape also held himself accountable, stating: “If I, as your Prime Minister, am a stumbling block to our nation’s progress, I ask God to remove me and raise up someone better to lead Papua New Guinea.”
Linking his message to Leviticus 25, Marape likened the nation’s 50th year to the Biblical Jubilee Year, a period of forgiveness, restoration, and renewal. He urged Papua New Guineans to “reset on God’s foundation for the next 50 years.”
He called on families to return to their land, build sustainable livelihoods, and teach their children traditional values. He also challenged churches to match their preaching with practical action and reminded leaders that honesty and humility must guide public service.
“We, the 2% of Papua New Guineans in leadership and public service, consume 25% of the nation’s resources,” he said. “If we truly love this country, we must serve with humility and honesty.”
Acknowledging persistent struggles with corruption, lawlessness, and inequality, Marape warned the nation faced a defining choice. “Two roads lie before us. One leads to life and blessing. The other leads to destruction. The road to life is narrow and hard, but it is the road we must walk if we want God’s favour on our nation.”
With less than three weeks before PNG marks its 50th Anniversary, Marape urged citizens to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity.
“From the highlands to the islands, from the youngest child to the oldest elder, let us forgive, restore, and reconcile,” he said. “Let us march into our Jubilee as one people, one nation, one country, under one God.”
National Repentance Day was first established in 2008 by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in partnership with churches and Christian leaders. This year marks the 18th observance of the day, carrying added significance as PNG prepares to enter its 50th year of independence.