12 Facts About James Tanis

James Tanis was previously the Vice President of the Bougainville People's Congress.

James Tanis is a former guerrilla and commander in the BRA.

Experts have said that the election of the 43-year-old James Tanis "represents a generational change" in Bougainville's political leadership.

James Tanis was inaugurated as Bougainville's second elected president in a colorful swearing-in ceremony on 6 January 2009, as Bougainvilleans in traditional costumes travelled from all corners of the island to attend the ceremony in Arawa, Central Bougainville.

James Tanis served an interim term, completing Kabui's scheduled term before the presidential election of 2010.

James Tanis said his focus would be on promoting unity in the aftermath of the long civil war.

James Tanis said he is "not looking at achieving much" during his 20-month term in office, but will ensure peace prevails through reconciliation.

James Tanis appointed Ezekiel Massat as Vice President on 19 January 2009.

Since 2014 James Tanis has been Secretary for Peace in the Bougainville Administration.

In late 2018 James Tanis was suspended on allegations of misconduct.

In March 2019 James Tanis was dismissed from office, having been found guilty by an independent Board of Inquiry of gross misconduct.

James Tanis remains a controversial figure in Bougainville politics and is widely tipped to run for election as president in 2020 when current President John Momis must stand down.