While it was normal working day for mainland Papua New Guinea today, in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, it was a public holiday.
Today, Bougainvilleans commemorated the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed in Arawa, Central Bougainville on August 30, 2001.
It was a joint agreement between the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
It was to put an end to the island’s civil war.
President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Chief John Momis, reminded Bougainvilleans that the signing of this important blue print document, paved the way for lasting peace, following the post conflict on the island.
Many lives were lost, with properties destroyed in the civil war, and the peace agreement allowed for normalcy to return to the island.
Normal trading hours will resume tomorrow.
