Civil unrest breaks out in violence after swearing-in ceremony

Almost immediately after the swearing-in ceremony for Chuuk Gov. and Lt. Gov., Alexander R. Narruhn and Mekioshy William, a melee started— on that morning of April 15, 2025.

It began on the steps of the venue, and spilled inside as people shoved the injured person in to prevent the incident from escalating.

Even to the time of writing, April 28th, there are still pockets around the island of Weno and on other islands, fighting over incidents of the election on February 4; and the revote of the island of Weno, a month later, on March 4. 

“Even last night,” said John Mark, a resident of Seletiw in the village of Iras. “They were still fighting. There were men chasing another man outside of our house with rocks and machetes in their hands to stone, and maybe kill him.”

“That’s why I have decided to stay put inside this house,” said another resident, Karinta Nukuto, who is awaiting a boat leaving for the Northwest region, outer islands, of Chuuk. “I don’t want to poke my face outside anymore, until it’s time for us to board the ship and leave this forsaken place. I was just shaking in fear last night.”

While the civil unrest similarly continues for throes of citizenry in the United States, in their march against Donald Trump in many major cities; fighting has, dangerously, spilled out into the streets of villages in Weno, Chuuk; and elsewhere on other islands.

Another Weno resident said: “My mom is not now on Weno, she has traveled down to Tol for a funeral service.” 

Elsie Nukuto from the village of Sapuk, Weno; left her brother and her niece at home to check on relatives in Iras.

She added that her mother, who was from Tol/Houk but married her dad from the village, had just came back up from there (Tol). She had to turn around and catch her boat to go right back down. 

“There is yet another person killed,” she said. “They’re just murdering people.” 

Meanwhile, during the swearing-in ceremony, leaders talk about God and peace.

“(Good day) ran annim, Chuuk!” Gov. Alexander R. Narruhn said in Chuukese.

He thanked the Lord on high for life and strength for everyone, and then turned to the people.

“I’d like to ask all of us to keep a peaceful mind and heart,” he said in Chuukese, “to endure and let the rule of law run its course.” 

He also said that he and the Lt. Gov. are going to work very hard to allow for “the rule of law of the land to run its course in truth and honesty, like we have done” in the past.

“We’d like to ask you,” Narruhn also said, “our beloved people, to honor what the law has given us, whatever the results of court proceedings have handed us. Let there be unity and partnership among us so that we can work together to move our beloved Chuuk (forward to a better place).”

This swearing-in ceremony is, arguably, one of the most anticipated events in the history of the islands of Chuuk, and the most emotionally charged. 

A confusing event at the height of the chaos

First, there was Rekki Chuuk, ‘Think of Chuuk’ (Narruhn-William’s team), it maintained there was only one election, March 4; and that the problem was on the docket of the court. They did not acknowledge the revote. And, they believe the justice system would soon issue its ruling on the results of the tumultuous election.  

Second, Kich Chuuk, “We, the Chuukese People,’ (Mailo-Enlet’s team) defended the fact that there were a number of ballot boxes contaminated, and the people reordered another vote. At the ballot box, Mark Mailo/Joe Enlet won by a large margin. 

So, both parties worked on separate issues—not together. Rekki Chuuk to have the court resolve the case, Kich Chuuk to throw out the boxes and run a do-over of the vote.

Just then the court came out with its ruling, in favor of Narruhn-William. And both parties let the court decide for now, though, supporters of the Mark-Enlet felt, it was justice had not prevailed.

A forthcoming petition to the court’s decision is still possible – there is precedence for a “revote”.

But there is something else brewing afoot.

In a Facebook post to Narruhn, Gillian Doone said in Chuukese: “You and I both know that you are wrong. And these are the reasons…”

Doone went on to cite a number of actual cases in Chuuk to support his case. Such could run precedence over that which could give the people another chance to “revote,” expressing their true desires for the Governorship.

In the end, however, Mark Mailo-Joe Enlet bowed out to the rule of law and the court; Enlet issued a petition to their supporters. In essence he was saying, honor the system. We know what you, the people, are saying, it is loud and clear! 

There is chatter in the Mailo-Enlet FB camp that could indicate a forthcoming petition, to challenge the result of the February 4 election in court.

Some people asked, “Where was the President of the Nation during all of this?”

In fact, even one of the leaders of the Guam Micronesia Mission, who was concerned about their people in Chuuk, said: “What’s happening in the FSM? Where is the FSM Leadership during this crisis in Chuuk?”

Churchill Edwards, a former Lt. Gov. of Pohnpei, also said that this is the time to be REAL Leaders for the people. 

“Let’s pray for the situation in Chuuk but more realistically, let’s hope that the FSM Executive and the Legislative Leadership would step in to mediate for peace and harmony. Pray for the people of Chuuk during this difficult time.”

Herb Paul, an Facebook poster, said it best for all Chuukese: 

“So, now, we have big questions with a touch of hopelessness. We see that all of our dreams—all the way down to owning our right to choose—are not important our leaders anymore.”