Marape reiterates PNG’s commitment to Bougainville peace at 5th Parliament inauguration
Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to peace, partnership, and the full implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
He made the statement during his keynote address at the inauguration of the 5th Bougainville Parliament in Buka this afternoon. The ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, saw 45 new Parliament representatives sworn in from their constituencies, alongside the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from across the country and the international community, marking a historic milestone in the ongoing Bougainville peace process. President Hon. Ishmael Toroama, recently re-elected for a second term, also addressed the gathering.
“Today is a momentous moment. The people of Bougainville have re-elected the Toroama Government into office as a mark of continuity of the work that was started—not just in 2020, but more importantly, the work that began under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He paid tribute to past and present leaders of both Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, including the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, for their pivotal role in the signing of the 2001 Peace Agreement.
The Prime Minister highlighted Bougainville’s historic contribution to the nation, saying, “Before the 1989 Crisis, Bougainville was a great contributor to the union we now call Papua New Guinea. For the first 14 years of our nationhood, Bougainville carried the country, and we have not forgotten this.”
Reiterating respect for Bougainville’s referendum result and autonomy aspirations, he said all future steps will follow the constitutional framework. “Whatever the future holds for us, the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, enshrined under Part 14 of our PNG Constitution, will continue to shepherd our two Governments. My Government will not deviate one inch, one dot, or one letter from the process agreed upon,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Marape also confirmed that his Government will progress post-referendum consultations and present the outcome to the National Parliament.
He commended President Toroama for his steadfast leadership and commitment to peaceful dialogue, describing him as “a leader who has never wavered in advocating for his people’s aspirations.”
“Bougainville and Papua New Guinea must continue to walk hand in hand, side by side, towards a peaceful and prosperous future,” the Prime Minister concluded.
His participation at today’s inauguration underscores the National Government’s respect for Bougainville’s democratic process and its ongoing commitment to peace, reconciliation, and partnership under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.