16 years on: Looking back on Bougainville’s peace agreement
03 September 2017
FABIAN HAKALITS | Asia Pacific Report
ARAWA - It was 16 years ago last week since the signing of an important blueprint that put an end to Bougainville’s civil war in Papua New Guinea.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement paved the way for lasting peace on the war-torn island following the 10-year conflict which erupted as a result of disputes over the giant Panguna copper mine.
On 30 August 2001, the Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
The agreement between the government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) was intended to further the objectives of the Burnham Truce, Lincoln and other agreements brokered with New Zealand help.
It was to be implemented through consultation and co-operation.
Three pillars of autonomy, referendum and weapons disposal were set as guidelines for a referendum to be conducted in 2019.
Several delegations from mainland Papua New Guinea visited Bougainville to restore the government’s trust and confidence to the people.
Among them was Papua New Guinea’s former prime minister, Bill Skate, who asked hardliners and warlords to surrender their weapons. This was documented in the ceasefire agreement.
Women were at the forefront of peace negotiations.
A peace monitoring group comprising security forces from Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Fiji was deployed on Bougainville in 1998. It monitored the peace agreement, reported on ceasefire violations, supported the peace process and also was involved in the weapon disposal program.
It completed its mission in 2000, the event marked by a ceremony at Independence Oval in Arawa.
The signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001 allowed the establishment of the ABG in 2005,with Joseph Kabui elected as the first president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
It was a win-win solution, but since 2005 the full implementation of the peace accord has never been realised.
One of the major issues has been unpaid grants which had been committed to Bougainville by the PNG national government.
A Joint Supervisory Board, another initiative giving value to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, has not met since May last year.
New Bougainville Affairs Minister and Central Bougainville MP, Fr Simon Dumarinu, said the meeting are a priority and should be the first item on the agenda as the referendum deadline looms.
Meanwhile, President Momis – elected in 2010 - reminds Bougainvilleans that the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement paved the way for a lasting peace on the island.
Fabian Hakalits is Bougainville correspondent for EMTV News. This article was originally published by EMTV News and is republished here with permission
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