News and Public Notices

It has come to my attention that there are allegations of Bougainville providing para-military support to factions involved in the conflict in the Solomon Islands.

As President of Bougainville I must go on record to state that these allegations are false and that Bougainville maintains its neutrality in the conflict.

Bougainville cannot and will not provide support to any faction or militia in the Solomon Islands. The conflict in the Solomon Islands is a sovereign issue that the Government and people of the Solomon Islands must resolve peacefully in a manner that respects democracy.

The request for regional assistance through the provision of security personnel by the SIG has already been answered by Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Bougainville cannot partake in any geo-political matters unless we seek leave from the Government of PNG; this arrangement applies to how the Autonomous Bougainville Government may want to assist the Solomon Islands.

My government supports PNG Prime Minister Hon. James Marape's response to Prime Minister Manaseh Sogavare.

Bougainville will not be providing additional support unless requested by the Government of PNG and that will only be through the Bougainville Police Service or other government agencies.

The international border between Bougainville and the Solomon Islands remains closed at this time.

Bougainville shares traditional and familial bonds with the Solomon Island and we are forever indebted to the people of the Solomon Islands for providing Bougainvilleans refuge during the 10 year Bougainville Civil War.

However, we respect the Solomon Island's sovereignty as an independent nation and we remain committed to resolving the troubles of our brothers and sisters in the Solomon Islands.

 

Hon. Ishmael Toroama, MHR

President.

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