Former president of Nauru dies in Australia at the age of 46

The former president of Nauru, Sprent Dabwido, has died in Australia.

He was 46.

Radio New Zealand reports his death was confirmed by Mathew Batsiua, an opposition politician on Nauru and close friend of a Dabwido.

Batsiua said in a statement Sprent died the way he lived adding that he was brave, outspoken and always kept his sense of humour, even in the worst times.

A former professional weightlifter, Dabwido was president from 2011 to 2013, a period defined by his decision to allow the reopening of Australia's asylum seekers detention centres on Nauru.

During the Nauru 19 protests in 2015, Mathew Batsiua (left) was arrested. Mr Dabwido was one of the group's leaders. [Photo: SUPPLIED]

It was a decision Dabwido would later come to regret.

He told the Australian broadcaster SBS in March the decision had turned Nauru "upside down," breeding corruption and greed on the island.

But his final years were consumed by a battle with the current government of President Baron Waqa, a battle which drained him both financially and personally.

Dabwido was one of the leaders of the Nauru 19 group of opposition figures who have been hauled through the courts after a crackdown on anti‑government protests in 2015.

[Source: Radio NZ]

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