Media Statement from the Office of the President on the Panguna Incident
The government and people of Bougainville will not be intimidated by individuals or factions seeking to undermine our efforts to redevelop the Panguna Mine.
I strongly condemn the actions of those who assaulted personnel and destroyed equipment at the Lloyds Metals camp in Panguna this morning. While the majority of Bougainvilleans look forward to this development, certain elements have chosen to undermine the authority of the government and the collective efforts of our people.
The actions of these individuals are selfish and serve only their own greedy intent. They do not have the best interests of our government or our people at heart. This type of behavior has no place in Bougainville and will not be tolerated.
Those responsible for this incident will face the full force of the law through the Bougainville Police Service. A coordinated community effort is also underway to apprehend the suspects and prevent any further incidents of this nature.
I want to reassure our people that this morning's incident does not weaken us; it only strengthens our resolve. We will take all necessary steps to enforce the government’s mandate to reopen the Panguna Mine.
Let me be very clear: this government is of the people and by the people. We will not cower to terroristic acts of violence designed to cause disunity and distract us from our agenda of creating a socio-politically and economically viable Bougainville.
H.E Ishmael Toroama, MHR
President of Bougainville
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