Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has made a firm commitment that members of the national Defence Force and police will no longer set foot on Bougainville. This announcement emphasizes the government’s intention to put into law that both military and police would not return to the island, reflecting a desire to avoid reopening historical wounds caused by past conflicts. “The scars are too big. I don’t want those scars to re-open again,” Marape stated during an interview.
The Prime Minister further refrained from discussing a timeline for the ratification of the 2019 referendum, in which approximately 97 percent of Bougainvilleans voted in favor of outright independence. Marape explained that the report is currently with the executive government, which is in the process of negotiating with the Autonomous Bougainville Government. He stressed that significant administrative powers have already been devolved to Bougainville’s local governments, placing its future largely in their hands.
Despite the overwhelming support for independence in the referendum, the government has faced criticism for not moving quickly enough to finalize the political status of Bougainville. Bougainville’s President, Ishmael Toroama, and other leaders are pushing for more proactive engagement to address the aspirations of the citizens regarding self-determination, especially with their planned deadline of September 2027 for a decision on independence approaching.
While concerns regarding potential separatist sentiments within other regions of PNG were raised, Marape acknowledged the nation’s diversity and the complexities involved, noting that while certain tendencies exist, they have not led to overt movements for independence.
This current discourse is part of broader discussions around governance and the political future of Bougainville, underscoring the aspirations of its people for self-determination. The ongoing negotiations between the PNG government and Bougainville leaders signal a hopeful trajectory toward a peaceful and autonomous future for the island, and there is an optimistic view that through collaborative efforts, the long-awaited aspirations of Bougainvilleans may soon be realized.
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