News and Public Notices

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is pleased to announce the signing of a significant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the ABG, The HALO Trust, and the United States Government for an unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance project in Bougainville.

This MOA paves the way for The HALO Trust, acting under a grant of $2.25 million (K9.2 million) from the U.S. Government, to implement a comprehensive UXO survey, clearance, and risk education program in Bougainville. The funding will also contribute to enhancing national tracking and reporting systems for UXO.

The partnership reaffirms ABG’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of activities within Bougainville and recognizes the importance of removing dangerous remnants of past conflicts to protect lives and secure a safer livelihood.

The agreement outlines three key areas of activity in Bougainville:

• Survey and clearance of UXO-contaminated areas to locate, map, and safely remove unexploded ordnance, protecting communities from harm and preventing misuse.
• Risk education initiatives in schools and communities to raise awareness, reduce risk-taking behaviour, and strengthen public safety.
• Capacity building and employment opportunities for Bougainvilleans, including specialist training for the Bougainville Police Service, PNG Defence Force, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, as well as contributing to national systems for UXO management.

ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama, in signing the agreement, expressed the government’s gratitude and its recognition of the partnership’s significance to Bougainville’s peace, safety, and development.

"On behalf of the people of Bougainville, I extend our sincere gratitude to The HALO Trust and the United States Government for this important partnership. This initiative is more than just a clearance operation — it is an investment in the safety, wellbeing, and future of our people. By removing the deadly remnants of past conflicts, we are freeing our communities to live, work, and build their lives without fear," President Toroama said.

The ABG acknowledges the ongoing support of international partners in addressing post-conflict issues that continue to affect Bougainville’s progress and looks forward to the successful delivery of this important project.

Also present at the signing was U.S Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock. “Signing this MOA with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is the first step to The HALO Trust conducting this important work addressing unexploded ordinance,” she said.

“The U.S. government is the world’s largest supporter of conventional weapons destruction to make communities safer.  Working with The HALO Trust, it was important to us that the project also increase the response capacity of local entities and reducing the risk to Papua New Guineans by UXO. We are looking forward to seeing these projects commence.”

The HALO Trust is a U.S. and British charity.  Its mission is to protect the lives and livelihoods of those affected by conflict.

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