Masatt criticises debate on Bougainville, describing it as “foolish”

Bougainville Vice President and Minister responsible for the Bougainville Independence Mission, Ezekiel Masatt, has criticized Monday's parliamentary discussion on Bougainville's independence ratification process, describing it as "foolish and premature."

In a media statement, Mr. Masatt said he hoped the National Government had not deliberately turned a session intended to discuss the Bipartisan Committee Report into a ratification debate.

"I hope it wasn't a National Government strategy to turn the Bipartisan Committee Report session into a Ratification session like what happened in Parliament on Monday. It was foolish and premature," he said.

The final report of the 2026 Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters was presented in Parliament yesterday, after months of nationwide public consultation.

Despite mix debate following its presentation, the Report does not recommend a particular outcome.

But its purpose is to present Parliament a structured account of views expressed during the consultation.

Prime Minister James Marape spoke openly to tread this process with care and a decision be made.

Mr. Masatt said the ratification matter can only be brought before Parliament by the Minister for Bougainville Affairs after the Melanesian Agreement has concluded and the Post Referendum Consultations Report has been finalized.

"The Melanesian Agreement has not been concluded and the Post Referendum Consultations Report hasn't been finalized," he said.

He argued that MPs were debating a matter without access to the outcomes of ongoing consultations.

"Every member who spoke today [Monday] spoke with ignorance, because they are not privy to the Agreed Outcomes of the Melanesian Agreement," Mr. Masatt stated.

He warned that the Autonomous Bougainville Government could reconsider its participation in the current consultation process.

"The ABG stands ready to abandon the Melanesian Agreement if the National Government so wishes and look at other available options," he said.

Mr. Masatt also responded to remarks made in Parliament by Minister Belden Namah.

"The President and myself are not members of the National Parliament. If we were we would have given it back to him," he said.

Defending Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, Mr. Masatt said, "President Ishmael Toroama is the true Hero."

He also challenged Mr. Namah's claims regarding his role during the Bougainville conflict, stating, "He repeatedly calls himself a Hero because of the Sandline affair and having saved 300,000 Bougainville lives. He is not."