Bougainville Needs 'Serious Conversation' About Its Economic Readiness - James Marape

Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 6:06 pm
Article: RNZ

Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist

Papua New Guinea's prime minister says his government has an "unwavering commitment to the Bougainville Peace Process".

Bougainville and PNG have yet to reach terms on how to table the results of a historic referendum on independence in which 97.7 percent of Bougainvilleans said they wanted independence.

On Monday, the "joint moderation talks" began in Port Moresby, chaired by former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

The impasse centres on how many MPs are required to support the tabling of the referendum results in the Papua New Guinea national parliament: PNG wants two thirds, while Bougainville wants just a simple majority.

Alternatively, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama suggested that both governments could reach a decision on a bilateral relationship for Bougainville's independence outside of parliament.

Toroama appealed to Marape to endorse the referendum results on Monday, saying, "Bougainville has done its part in this peace process. It is now your turn."

However, Marape said that it is "a constitutional matter that requires parliament's deliberation and decision-making".

He highlighted that Section 342 of the PNG Constitution explicitly calls for post-referendum consultations, ensuring that both parties engage in structured dialogue before a final decision is made.

Ahead of the moderation consultations, the Bougainville Leadership Forum announced in a statement that 1 September 2027 would be the date for Bougainville's independence.

Economic independence must come before political independence

Marape has urged Bougainville's leadership to consider the importance of economic independence alongside political aspirations.

He points out that 95 percent of Bougainville's budget is funded either by the national government or international donors.

"The long-term sustainability of Bougainville must be factored into these discussions," he added.

"Today, as we speak, Bougainville generates only 5 percent of its own budget. This is a serious conversation that we must address as part of the broader negotiations."

He acknowledged Bougainville's resource potential but stressed that economic structures must be strengthened before full political independence can be realised.

Impact in other parts of the country

"My duty as Prime Minister is not only to Bougainville but to the whole of Papua New Guinea," Marape said.

"We must ensure that any decision we take is in the best interest of all parties."

He said the broader national implications of Bougainville's push for independence could lead to other regions seeking similar autonomy.

"Papua New Guinea is the most-diverse nation on earth," he said.

"We have over 800 languages, 20 provinces, one National Capital District, and Autonomous Bougainville Government.

"If we do not manage this process responsibly, we risk opening the door to similar movements in other parts of the country."

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