Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated Hon. Ishmael Toroama on his declaration as President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville for a second term in office.
Speaking from New York in the United States today, Prime Minister Marape extended his warm regards on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, acknowledging the trust and confidence that the people of Bougainville have once again placed in President Toroama.
“I congratulate President Ishmael Toroama on his re-election as President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is a strong expression of the will of the Bougainville people, and I look forward to working closely with him to continue progressing the work that lies ahead of us under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.”
The Bougainville Peace Agreement, signed in 2001, remains the cornerstone of peace and stability after the difficult years of conflict. It established the framework for autonomy, weapons disposal, and a Referendum on Bougainville’s political future. The 2019 Referendum, conducted in accordance with this Agreement, saw an overwhelming majority of Bougainvilleans vote in favour of Independence.
Since then, the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have been in continuous dialogue consistent with the path outlaid in the 2001 Peace Agreement which was transplanted into Part 14 of our National Constitution.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that full processes as prescribed in the Constitution would be deployed including National Parliament receiving the Referendum results and processing it in accordance with Section 342 of our Constitution.
“The Referendum result was clear, and it has been received with respect,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “At the same time, the Agreement requires that both Governments—Papua New Guinea and Bougainville— consult and decide together on the way forward. This is what we will continue to do, in the spirit of peace, partnership, and mutual respect.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that his Government’s approach will be to walk this journey together with Bougainville. He noted that President Toroama’s re-election provides continuity and stability in leadership at a critical time for dialogue and decision-making.
“We are committed to dialogue that is peaceful, respectful, and in the best interests of both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea,” he said. “The Bougainville Peace Agreement was built on compromise, trust, and the desire for lasting peace. That spirit must continue to guide us as we work with President Toroama and his team in the next phase of this journey.”
Prime Minister Marape further acknowledged the resilience of the Bougainville people and the contributions of leaders past and present in maintaining peace.
“I assure our brothers and sisters in Bougainville that the National Government will continue to stand with you. We will continue to support development in the Region while ensuring that our ongoing discussions are conducted in a manner that safeguards peace, stability, and the future of all our people,” he said.