POLICE Minister Peter Tsiamalil Jr (pictured) has publicly come out to address concerns raised by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) involving the appointment of ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of the Bougainville Police Service.
In a statement on Thursday, the ABG President said ACP Wagambie’s appointment will not be recognized by the ABG as it is unconstitutional and breaches the Organic Law on Peace Building on Bougainville and Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Toroama said Section 26 of the Organic Law on Peace Building on Bougainville and Section 237 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement clearly stipulate that the appointment of the hierarchical officers in the Bougainville Police Service by the Commissioner of Police is based on the direct nomination of a suitable candidate by the ABG through the Bougainville Executive Council.
“The National Government through the office of Police Commissioner David Manning ignored my government in its decision.
“We were never consulted nor privy to the process of appointing the Deputy Chief of the Bougainville Police Service,” the President said.
President Toroama said PNG’s disciplinary forces are barred by the Peace Agreement from instituting any decisions, be it administrative or tactical on Bougainville without the knowledge and input of the ABG.
In response, Police Minister Peter Tsiamalil Jr regrets any misunderstanding or miscommunication that may have occurred during the appointment process, resulting in the concerns raised by President Toroama.
“These provisions, as highlighted by the President, clearly state that the Bougainville Police Commander should be appointed in consultation with the Bougainville Government.
“Notably, there is no mention of the ‘Deputy Chief of Police’ of the Bougainville Police Service in this context, as the position is situated within the internal hierarchy of the National Government’s Police Commissioner’s command structure,” the Minister explained.
While acknowledging and respecting the provisions highlighted by President Toroama, Minister Tsiamalili agreed that, both provisions make it explicitly clear that the ‘Bougainville Police Commander’ must be appointed in consultation with the Bougainville Government.
While consultation with the Bougainville Government is necessary for the appointment of the Bougainville Police Commander, Tsiamalili Jr however emphasized that the rank and file positions within the Bougainville Police Service fall under the purview of the National Police Commissioner.
“This distinction underscores the need for collaborative decision-making, where the Bougainville Government is involved in the selection of the head of the Bougainville Police while maintaining the National Police Commissioner’s authority to manage the internal structure.”
Meanwhile, the Minister pledges personal engagement with relevant authorities to ensure future consultations and appointments align with the provisions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, respecting the autonomy of Bougainville.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr reiterates the National Government’s unwavering commitment to uphold the Bougainville Peace Agreement and work collaboratively with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, in order to achieve lasting peace, prosperity, and security for the people of Bougainville.
