After playing an important role in the island's conflict and peace process, Watawi was elected to office and served under the region's first President Joseph Kabui from 2005 to 2007.
Several officials including Watawi and acting chief administrator Patrick Koles arrived at the village intoxicated, causing a significant backlash.
[6] The group were reportedly drinking beer during the mourning in violation of cultural taboo, and were immediately asked to leave the village.
[8] Torokina district chiefs, the Tsiamalili family, and other officials condemned Watawi's behaviour as disgraceful and demanded he be removed from office.
[9] Petitions were given to Joseph Kabui by a women's NGO and former combatants of the Bougainville conflict calling for Watawi's immediate removal from office.
Kabui stated that Watawi's actions had breached Section 6 of the leadership code in the Constitution dealing with loyalty to Bougainville.
[10] Watawi remained in Cabinet, and was appointed to the newly created ministerial portfolio of Public Service, Trade and Industry and Micro Finance.
[15] Watawi also praised New Zealand's support as a "trusted and respected international partner" and quipped that "Australia would have more power and influence [in Bougainville] if they replaced their foreign and aid corps with a drunken rugby team.
[18] Watawi was eulogised in the Sydney Morning Herald[1] and incumbent Bougainvillean President Ishmael Toroama released an official statement of condolence.