Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has officially designated Bougainville as a demilitarized zone, affirming the government’s dedication to ensuring the absence of foreign military presence in the region. During the inauguration of the fifth Bougainville House of Representatives in Buka, Marape underscored the significance of this measure for fostering peace and stability in the area. He announced, “By next year, we will put it into law that no PNG Defence Force soldiers or allies will go into Bougainville.”
In his address, Marape stressed the importance of engaging with the Bougainville people, committing to peaceful dialogue, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity. He congratulated Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama for his leadership and acknowledged the recent democratic expression of the Bougainvilleans in re-electing the Toroama government. This election marks a continuation of efforts rooted in both the 2020 initiatives and the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Prime Minister Marape also recognized the intricate geopolitical dynamics impacting the Pacific, advocating for mutual respect and cooperation to bolster Bougainville’s economy. Addressing the same concerns, Toroama highlighted the dual nature of ongoing geopolitical competition among global powers, representing both challenges and potential opportunities for the region. He emphasized the importance of learning from Bougainville’s historical experiences, particularly regarding the Panguna mine.
These developments reflect Bougainville’s persistent pursuit of self-determination amid the long-standing aspirations of its people for independence, especially following the 2019 referendum in which a significant majority voted in favor of independence. As discussions on the consequences of this referendum progress, there remains a hopeful outlook that constructive dialogue between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea can facilitate the region’s journey toward sustained stability and autonomy. The commitment to demilitarization and collaborative efforts hints at a promising path for Bougainville’s future, reinforcing core values of peace and progress that resonate deeply within the community.