US Embassy in Port Moresby hasn’t apologised to PNG

Following US President Joe Biden’s claims that his uncle Bosie was eaten by cannibals in PNG, the U.S. Embassy – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea issued a statement without an apology. Thousands in PNG have taken it to the social media calling for an apology, it’s looks like there won’t be any, and here’s why:

The Embassy only says what the US president and White House say. Joe Biden referred to cannibalism twice at two different places last week. Neither Biden nor the White House have retracted the claims of Biden’s uncle eaten by cannibals.

Basically, Biden doesn’t want to apologise, the US Embassy in PNG therefore cannot apologise.

Why cannot Joe Biden apologise?

There are two possible reasons:

First, Joe Biden truly believes that whatever stories his parents told him as a kid, and doesn’t want to let go. However untrue and stupid that makes him look.

Second, US presidential elections is this year. To apologise would be admitting he was wrong. Trump would tear him apart.

What does this mean for US-PNG relations?

As the PNG prime minister has shown, American money is too good to take a firm stance and demand an apology. PNG prime minister said it may have been a slip up on Biden’s part even though Biden “slipped” up twice.

It’s very clear on social media that Papua New Guineans want an apology. The impact on majority of Papua New Guineans is that Papua New Guineans will see the US as ignorant and arrogant partner.

Meantime China sings a deal that allows PNG cocoa and coffee to be exported to China. Cocoa and coffee farming in PNG is dominated by smallholders – families and households in rural areas. Millions of people will have cash from their exports. In the same week US president calls PNG land full of cannibals, China offers market access.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know which country is been seen as respectful to Papua New Guineans now.

An apology from the US Embassy in PNG is will go a long way in societal buy in to the PNG-US relationship. The embassy should advise US president to offer an apology.