It has been 16 years since the signing of an important blue print document that put an end to the island’s civil war.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement paved the way for lasting peace on the war torn island of Bougainville, following the post conflict which erupted from disputes over the Panguna Mine.
On August 30, 2001, the Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
The agreemen between the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
It was intended to further objectives of The Burnham Truce, Lincoln and Ceasefire Agreements and other agreements and understanding between both parties.
It was aimed to be implemented through consultation and co-operation.
Three pillars of autonomy, referendum and weapons disposal were set as guidelines for the referendum conduct in 2019.
Several Government 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 favourably went to simply request hard liners and war loads to surrender their weapons.
And that was documented in the Ceasefire Agreement.
Women were at the forefront, negotiating for peace.
The Peace Monitoring Group comprising of Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Fiji were deployed into Bougainville in 1998, and monitored the peace agreement, reported on ceasefire violations, and supported the peace process and also involved in the weapon disposal programs.
They withdraw their mission in 2000 in a ceremony at the Independence Oval in Arawa.
The signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001, allowed for the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in 2005,with Joseph Kabui, elected as the first president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
It’s a win-win solution and since 2005, the full implementation of the peace accord, has never been realised.
One of the major issues was with the grants owed to Bougainville by the National Government.
Chief John Momis, since elected as president in 2010, he has been very vocal on matters concerning Bougainville especially the grants.
In 2014, Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill paid a goodwill visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
But the Joint Supervisory Meeting is another aspect that gives value to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Since May last years, there has been no meeting as yet.
The new Bougainville Affairs Minister and Central Bougainville MP, Fr Simon Dumarinu said the JSB Meeting will be a priority and should be the first agenda, as the deadline looms.
Meanwhile President, Momis reminded Bougainvilleans that the signing of this important blue print document, paved the way for lasting peace on the island, following the post conflict on the island.
