Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has declared Bougainville a demilitarized zone, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensure no foreign military presence in the region. At the inauguration of the fifth Bougainville House of Representatives in Buka, Marape emphasized that this step is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the area. He stated, “By next year, we will put it into law that no PNG Defence Force soldiers or allies will go into Bougainville.”
Marape’s address highlighted the importance of listening to the people of Bougainville, pledging to collaborate on peaceful dialogue, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity. He also congratulated Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama for his leadership and noted the recent democratic expression of Bougainvilleans in re-electing the Toroama government, marking a continuity of efforts that began not only in 2020 but also with the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the geopolitical complexities affecting the Pacific region and urged the need for mutual respect and cooperation in building a stronger economy for Bougainville. Toroama, on his part, warned that the ongoing geopolitical competition among global powers can present both risks and opportunities for the region. He asserted that Bougainville would carefully assess these geopolitical influences while underscoring the community’s capacity to learn from past events, particularly referencing the painful history of the Panguna mine.
The broader context of these developments reflects the region’s ongoing quest for self-determination and the long-smoldering aspirations of Bougainvilleans for independence, particularly following the 2019 referendum where an overwhelming majority favored independence. As discussions around the implications of this referendum continue, there is a hopeful sentiment that through constructive dialogue between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, the region can navigate its pathway toward achieving long-term stability and autonomy. This commitment to demilitarization and collaboration suggests a promising framework for Bougainville’s future, reinforcing the ideals of peace and progress that resonate deeply with its people.