Bougainville leadership coordinate joint response for Bougainville Students in Goroka
The Bougainville leadership through the Office of the Bougainville Regional Member and Minister for Police, Hon. Peter L. Tsiamalili Jr. and the ABG through its Department of Education and the Directorate of Peace, are working to ensure the immediate and safe evacuation of Bougainville students at the University of Goroka.
In a public statement issued today, Bougainville Regional Member reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Bougainville students in Goroka.
“I want to assure all Bougainville families, parents, guardians, and relatives that I am in direct contact with our student leaders at UOG and have also been in close communication with ABG leaders and the Department of Peace. We are fully across the situation and are organising support for all our Bougainville students during this difficult time,” said Minister Tsiamalili.
He further noted that the National Government, through his Ministry, is working closely with the police and university administration to stabilise the situation while the University Council considers its next steps.
ABG Secretary for Education, Ms. Dorothy Kenneth, confirmed that initial contact has been made with a Bougainvillean lecturer at UOG to connect the Department with the President of the Bougainville Students Association to obtain accurate information and a full list of Bougainville students requiring repatriation assistance.
Ms. Kenneth further confirmed that she has now made direct contact with the President of the Bougainville Students Association, who confirmed that all Bougainville students are safe. The Association has provided a list of students, which will be further verified to confirm their place of origin, as not all students reside on Bougainville. This verification process is important to ensure that repatriation costs are properly accounted for.
The students will be evacuated once a safe location is confirmed. In the meantime, the ABG Departments of Education and Community Government will be collaborating to ensure that food supplies and other essential items are made available to the students during this period.
The ABG extends its appreciation to Minister Tsiamalili for his swift response, decisive coordination, and leadership in ensuring the safety and welfare of Bougainville’s young people studying outside of the region.
The Bougainville leadership will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates to parents and guardians as plans for repatriation are confirmed.
[ Back to News ]
