Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has declared that members of the national Defence Force and police will never return to Bougainville, addressing the island’s tumultuous history and the scars left by previous conflicts. This firm commitment comes as he responded to inquiries about the possibility of deploying military or police forces to Bougainville again, stating, “We will put it into law in our Constitution: Never again will the PNG Defence Force set foot on Bougainville, (and) never again will our police step on Bougainville.” Marape emphasized the need to avoid reopening old wounds, reinforcing a vision for peace and self-determination on the island.
During a recent interview, Marape was pressed for a timeline regarding the ratification of the 2019 referendum, in which an overwhelming 97 percent of Bougainvilleans voted in favor of independence. He refrained from providing a specific date, clarifying that the report remains with the executive government and is undergoing negotiations with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). Marape pointed out that all administrative powers have been devolved to the autonomous government, effectively placing Bougainville’s future in its own hands.
Bougainville’s leaders are anxiously awaiting movement on the independence front, especially with the deadline of September 2027, set by them, approaching. Amid these discussions, Marape remarked that while the diverse landscape of PNG could see some separatist sentiments emerge, they have not yet been fully realized or acted upon.
This current discourse can be seen as part of a broader narrative that originated with the significant evolution of governance systems in Papua New Guinea. The aspirations of Bougainvilleans for self-determination are echoed in ongoing negotiations and commitments to peace. Ishmael Toroama, President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, has voiced frustrations over the slow pace of political discussions, affirming the necessity for urgent action from the national government regarding the referendum outcomes.
The intricacies of this situation are underscored by the complexities surrounding disarmament and security in Bougainville, a territory historically marred by violence. However, the ongoing dialogue and the commitment from both PNG and Bougainville leaders signal a hopeful trajectory towards a more peaceful and autonomous future, where the aspirations of the Bougainvillean people can potentially be realized.
With diplomatic bodies showing renewed engagement and support for Bougainvillean autonomy, there is optimism that the journey towards self-governance and lasting peace may soon take a significant leap forward.
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