Samoa PM apologises after Nazi salute video emerges

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Published: 2026-10-05T08:20:33.294Z • Permanent link

Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, has issued a formal apology after a video emerged showing him giving a Nazi salute during a 2018 visit to Germany. The incident occurred on June 21, 2018, when Mata'afa was attending a ceremony in the town of Laupheim, where the German Air Force was celebrating its 100th anniversary. In the video, Mata'afa can be seen giving a Nazi salute as he inspects a guard of honor. The video was posted on social media and quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage and calls for Mata'afa's resignation.

Mata'afa's office initially refused to comment on the incident, but he eventually released a statement apologizing for his actions. He claimed that he had been unaware of the significance of the gesture and had only been trying to show respect to the German military. However, many critics accused him of being insensitive and dismissive of the country's dark past. The incident has been widely condemned by Samoa's opposition parties and civil society groups, who have called for Mata'afa's resignation.

The incident has also sparked a broader debate about the role of Pacific Island leaders in promoting regional unity and cooperation with Western countries. Mata'afa has long been a strong supporter of the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional organization that aims to promote cooperation and economic development among its member states. However, the incident has raised questions about his commitment to these values and whether he is willing to confront the complexities of the region's history.

The emergence of the video has significant implications for Samoa's relations with Germany and the wider international community. The country's opposition parties have called for Mata'afa's resignation, citing his handling of the incident as a breach of trust with the people. The incident has also sparked concerns about Samoa's ability to promote regional unity and cooperation, particularly in the face of rising tensions between major powers.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of Pacific Island leaders in promoting human rights and democratic values. Many critics have accused Mata'afa of being out of touch with the concerns of his own people and of prioritizing his own interests over those of his country. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater accountability and transparency in Pacific Island governments, particularly when it comes to human rights and democratic governance.

The incident is part of a larger pattern of controversy surrounding Pacific Island leaders and their relationships with Western countries. In recent years, several Pacific Island leaders have faced criticism for their handling of sensitive issues, including human rights abuses and corruption. The incident has also sparked a broader debate about the role of Pacific Island leaders in promoting regional unity and cooperation, particularly in the face of rising tensions between major powers.