Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Mannaseh Makiba, responded to comments made by Opposition Bougainville Affairs Spokesman, Sir Puka Temu, regarding the Bougainville peace process.
Minister Makiba said that the comments made by Minister Temu were incorrect and have the potential to raise unnecessary concerns amongst the people of Bougainville.
“As Minister for Bougainville Affairs I have been in constant dialogue with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Minister for Justice and AG, the Hon. Ezekiel Massat, MHR regarding the process for tabling the Bougainville referendum result”, the Minister said.
The Minister noted that whilst the timeframe proposed for the tabling of the referendum result in the national parliament, as outlined in the Era Kone Covenant had passed, that this did not mean that the National Government was delaying the process.
“As Minister, I am legally bound to ensure that the tabling of the referendum result conforms with Constitutional requirements. Section 342 of the National Constitution is clear that the two Governments must consult prior to the result being tabled in the National Parliament. That process continues, and I am working actively with Minister Massat to reach an agreement on the best way forward”, he said.
He said that part of that process includes the mechanism by which the result will be tabled.
“The two Governments have agreed that the best way forward in tabling the referendum result in the Parliament would be by way of a sessional order. We continue to engage in frank discussions on the contents of the sessional order and I anticipate that I will be in a position to move a motion when Parliament next convenes”.
The Minister also said that Sir Puka’s comments regarding the commitment of the National Government to Bougainville are misinformed.
“As a former member of the Government, Sir Puka knows very well that the Prime Minister considers the issue of Bougainville to be one of the most significant facing our nation. The fact is that the Marape-Rosso Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Marape had done more than any other Government in history to resolve the question of Bougainville’s future”. Mr. Makiba said.
He also mentioned that in addition to working with President Toroama and his Government to bring the referendum result to the Parliament, the Marape-Rosso Government had invested significant funds to support restoration and development and capacity building within the ABG, including through the transfer of powers, over the course of the last five years.
“The Bougainville Peace Agreement contains a number of obligations. These include provisions for the National Government to progressively transfer powers and functions to the ABG under the Region’s autonomy arrangements”, he said.
Mr. Makiba’s remarks followed statement by Sir Puka Temu saying the current government is failing to maintain consultations with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Minister further went on to assure that he will continue to work with the ABG but cautioned the opposition on politicizing the issue of Bougainville.
“All of us recognize the significant sensitivities around Bougainville’s future political status. It is neither helpful nor productive for the opposition to use Bougainville as a political weapon within national politics. I would encourage Sir Puka and others to engage respectfully, refrain from using inflammatory language and to work with the Government as we seek to find the best path forward for the people of Bougainville”, he stated.
