Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s continued commitment to Peace, Partnership, and the full implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement during his Keynote Address at the Inauguration of the 5th Bougainville Parliament in Buka.
The Inauguration ceremony in the Bougainville Parliament this afternoon was presided over by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, especially in the proceedings of having the 45 new Bougainville Parliament representatives from their respective Constituencies to be sworn in. The Parliament proceedings also saw the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for Bougainville’s 5th term of Parliament.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country and the international community, marking a historic milestone in the ongoing Bougainville Peace process. The occasion also witnessed a speech by President Hon. Ishmael Toroama who was recently re- elected for a second term in office.
Addressing the gathering in front of the Bougainville Parliament this afternoon, Prime Minister Marape congratulated President Toroama and the people of Bougainville for their strong democratic expression and continued commitment to Peace and Progress.
“Today is a momentous moment. The people of Bougainville have re-elected the Toroama Government into office as a mark of continuity of the work that was started—not just in 2020, but more importantly, the work that began under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He paid tribute to past and present leaders of both Papua New Guinea and Bougainville who have guided the Peace process over the last two decades, acknowledging the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s pivotal role in the signing of the 2001 Peace Agreement.
“I give honour and respect to the class of 2001 Peace Agreement signatories—some who have gone before us, and those who remain today. Their legacy continues to guide us as we construct a shared and peaceful future,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Marape also recognised Bougainville’s historic contribution to the nation, noting that the Region was a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s early development.
“Before the 1989 Crisis, Bougainville was a great contributor to the union we now call Papua New Guinea. For the first 14 years of our nationhood, Bougainville carried the country, and we have not forgotten this,” he affirmed.
Reiterating his Government’s respect for the Referendum result and the Autonomy aspirations of Bougainville, the Prime Minister emphasized that all future steps will remain anchored within the Constitutional framework.
“Whatever the future holds for us, the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, enshrined under Part 14 of our PNG Constitution, will continue to shepherd our two Governments. My Government will not deviate one inch, one dot, or one letter from the process agreed upon,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that his Government will progress the Post-Referendum consultations and bring the outcome before the National Parliament consistent with Constitutional provisions.
“We will, in this term of our National Parliament, progress the Referendum result to Parliament for deliberation and decision. Let us not fear the future—our unity and shared history are our greatest strengths,” he said.
He commended President Toroama’s steadfast leadership and commitment to peaceful dialogue, describing him as “a leader who has never wavered in advocating for his people’s aspirations.”
The Prime Minister concluded by appealing for continued unity and partnership as both Governments navigate the next phase of consultations.
“We recall the past, but we must construct a future that fully embodies the aspirations of our people. Bougainville and Papua New Guinea must continue to walk hand in hand, side by side, towards a peaceful and prosperous future,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape’s participation at today’s Inauguration underscores the National Government’s respect for Bougainville’s democratic process and its ongoing commitment to Peace, Reconciliation, and Partnership under the spirit of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.