Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has reiterated his commitment to present the results of the 2019 Bougainville referendum in Parliament, marking a pivotal step in determining the region’s political future. During a Joint Moderation Consultation Meeting between the PNG National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Marape expressed readiness to formally introduce the 97.7 percent outcome, where voters overwhelmingly favored independence.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this parliamentary discussion, urging Bougainvilleans to accept the results, which he pledged to respect, highlighting his acceptance of the referendum’s clear majority. This referendum is a significant component of the Bougainville Peace Agreement established in 2001, which aimed to resolve a decade-long civil conflict in the region.
Despite the unambiguous mandate for independence, the process toward parliamentary ratification has experienced delays due to unresolved issues, particularly regarding disarmament. Marape raised concerns over unaccounted-for weapons still present in Bougainville, calling on both the ABG and the United Nations to clarify the status of disarmament efforts, reflecting ongoing challenges since the peace agreement.
His words echo past commitments made during the signing of the Era Kone Covenant in 2022, which aimed to finalize the results in Parliament by 2023, with implementation expected between 2025 and 2027. However, with the delay in ratification, the political status of Bougainville remains uncertain.
Highlighting the importance of addressing security issues, Marape stated, “No more guns in Bougainville, and I don’t want to find out,” reflecting the necessity of establishing enduring peace before progressing toward a decision on independence.
Amidst these negotiations, ABG President Ishmael Toroama called upon the Prime Minister to authentically endorse the referendum results in Parliament, framing independence as Bougainville’s primary agenda. His remarks were steeped in the historical context of the peace negotiations, emphasizing the enduring aspirations of Bougainvilleans for self-determination that predated PNG’s own independence.
Toroama recalled the peace agreement’s critical pillars—disarmament, economic development, and the referendum—while reminding that independence for Bougainville has been long sought by its people. The discussions during the Joint Moderation Consultations aim to address both governments’ issues before the referendum results reach Parliament for approval.
This moment in Bougainville seems to represent a hopeful opportunity for cultivating a new governance framework, enabling a responsive relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, and potentially leading to a more peaceful and recognized political future. The proceedings reflect a collective commitment among both the PNG Government and the ABG to navigate the complexities surrounding Bougainville’s aspirations.
Leave a comment