Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Tongan hunger striker now drinking but still determined to fast till death

Posted at 03:40 on 22 October, 2009 UTC

The leader of a protest involving fasting and prayer in Tonga says she’s started drinking water but is determined to continue a fast in her bid to have the Prime Minister deposed.

Mele ’Amanaki and other members of the Tongan Women’s National Congress have been fasting for a week and a half in protest at what they describe as the injustices and poor governance of Dr Feleti Sevele’s administration.

Ms ’Amanaki started drinking water on Tuesday after an eight day hunger strike.

She says the King has not responded to a petition seeking the appointment of a replacement Prime Minister and the congress plans to make him a traditional Tongan offering of food and weaving.

“I have faith in God that he’s going to grant what we want and it’s amazing the strength that he gives me. It’s not that I could go and run a marathon but to be able to go without food for 10 days I just praise the Lord because he’s the one who gives me strength.”

Mele ’Amanaki says 800 women are now fasting one day a week in support of the protest.