Pacific / Bougainville

Bougainvilleans encouraged to complete reconciliation process

08:19 am on 9 October 2020

There's a call in Bougainville for more resources to help complete the peace and reconciliation process.

Bougainvilleans queue to vote in their independence referendum, Buka, November 2019. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

A meeting this week of the District Peace and Security Committee discussed strategies on how to handle outstanding reconciliation issues in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region.

The Post-Referendum Minister, Ezekiel Masatt, said all Bougainvilleans must commit to the process and strive to practice political independence.

"All individuals must make a personal commitment to the process and contribute in your own way," Ezekiel Masatt said.

Masatt also said Bougainvilleans must work towards economic independence, but cannot sacrifice one for the other.

The meeting resolved to seek more government backing for peace and reconciliation activities.

It also raised the need for war compensation and veterans legislation to ensure there is a proper legal framework to resolve outstanding issues.