AAP: PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape’s fears over Bougainville’s economic viability loom as a major barrier to the region’s hopes for independence.
Leaders of Papua New Guinea and would-be nation Bougainville are holding moderated talks this week in Port Moresby to clarify the province’s pathway to independence.
Bougainville, an autonomous region in Papua New Guinea’s east, has long sought independence, even declaring as much without success in 1975.
In 2019, 98 per cent of voters in a referendum supported self-rule, though the pathway to independence has stalled in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has recognised the outcome but refused to give life to it, suggesting it is not economically viable, and therefore requiring a responsible road map before a handover of power takes place.
“Economic independence must precede political independence. The long-term sustainability of Bougainville must be factored into these discussions,” Mr Marape said.
Ishamel Toroama, the Bougainville president, is holding steadfast to an earlier pledge that independence would take place between 2025 and 2027.
“The people voted for independence and to propose any other option in this moderation is detrimental to the peace process,” he said in public remarks before the talks.
The talks will be moderated by New Zealand statesman Sir Jerry Mateparae, a former army chief and governor-general who led a peace monitoring group in Bougainville in the 1990s.
The 2027 deadline looms as a major issue given Mr Marape’s reticence to moving too quickly, saying he didn’t want to be “time-bound”.
“We can construct something which is uniquely beautiful for the greater Melanesia,” he said.
Aside from economic sustainability, another roadblock is gaining support among PNG MPs, some of whom are opposed to a dilution of Papua New Guinea’s territory and power.
Mr Marape insists the independence vote is constitutional in nature, requiring two-thirds of the PNG parliament for ratification.
“My duty as Prime Minister is not only to Bougainville but to the whole of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Marape said, as reported by Radio NZ.
“Papua New Guinea is the most diverse nation on earth.
“We have over 800 languages, 20 provinces, one National Capital District, and Autonomous Bougainville Government.
“If we do not manage this process responsibly, we risk opening the door to similar movements in other parts of the country.”
Mr Toroama appealed to Mr Marape in Papua New Guinea’s anniversary year.
“Papua New Guinea is going to celebrate its 50th (year of) independence (this year) … for Bougainville this marks more than 50 years of struggle,” he said.
“Bougainville has done its part in this peace process. It is now your turn.”