Bougainvillean’s reaffirm independence stance at Buka consultation
The National Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters is now conducting its second consultation in Bougainville today in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
It is anticipated that the consultation will see a large turnout as the people once again convey their views to the Committee.
During the first consultation held on Tuesday this week in Buka, North Bougainville, the majority of participants strongly reaffirmed their stance for Bougainville to be independent, as reflected in the 2019 Referendum result. This is expected to be no different in Arawa today.
Leading the consultations in Buka earlier this week, Bougainville Vice President and Attorney General Ezekiel Massat told the Bipartisan Committee that as Vice President, he will not accept any option other than independence. He also posed a direct question to the Committee, whether the National Parliament is ready to accept the decision made by the people of Bougainville.
Vice President Massat’s remarks were in response to a statement by the Prime Minister, who had asked Bougainville leaders if they would accept the result of the ratification process. Massat said, respectfully, that this was not the right question to be asking, as the people of Bougainville had already made their choice clear in the 2019 Referendum.
A former senior Bougainville public servant and lawyer, Kapeatu Puaria also strongly voiced out the people's desire for independence.
Mr Puaria conveyed that after the 2019 Referendum, no one challenged the results as per the law during the period of appeal, and that says a lot.
Former Bougainville Regional Member, Joe Lera also maintained the stance saying, Bougainville is already independent.
Mr Lera said the National Parliament should grant independence to Bougainville, despite no guarantee of the future, but believes nation building and other aspects of being an independent nation will be met by the leadership of Bougainville.
Another former Member of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Gordon Batek also shared similar sentiments saying, the people have voted for independence and the ratification should be in favor of the Referendum result.
Many other speakers also shared the same sentiments to the Committee.
The consultation is chaired by Committee Chairman Dr Allan Marat, together with Deputy Chair Sasindran Muthuvel, and Committee members Francesca Semoso and Sir Puka Temu.
Chairman Dr Marat emphasised that the consultations are for the people of Bougainville, to ensure their voices guide the way forward.
He highlighted the importance of a true Melanesian approach based on dialogue, respect, and partnership between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.
Committee member Francesca Semoso reaffirmed her commitment to her people, highlighting the significance of the 97.7% vote in favor of independence.
The Committee reminded participants that Papua New Guinea’s role is to support Bougainville in preparing well, ensuring stability and sustainability before a final decision is made.
Among those present during the Buka consultations were ABG Vice President Ezekiel Massat, Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives Simon Pentanu, ABG Ministers and Members of the BHOR, former members, community leaders, women representatives, and young leaders.