Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Autonomous Bougainville Government President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama today signed the landmark Melanesian Agreement in Port Moresby, charting a peaceful and legally defined course for the next phase of the Bougainville peace process.
The ceremony was witnessed by Moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae, ministers from both governments, members of the bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville, senior public servants, and international partners including the United Nations and foreign diplomatic missions.
PM Marape: We Honour the Law and Respect Bougainville’s Voice
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the National Government’s total adherence to the constitutional process, stating that the Bougainville issue must proceed according to the provisions of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, now enshrined in Part XIV of the Constitution.
He acknowledged the 97.7% referendum result as clear and decisive, but emphasised that the outcome must still pass through the legal pathway: “The people of Bougainville have expressed their will through the referendum, and we fully respect that. However, our Constitution outlines a clear process—we must conduct consultations and present the outcome to Parliament, which holds final decision-making authority. As Prime Minister, I cannot bypass or override that process.”
Agreement Grounded in Partnership, Not Separation
The Melanesian Agreement provides a framework for the two governments to finalise consultations and prepare a report for submission to Parliament. Prime Minister Marape described it as a collaborative and conditional document that continues the journey, rather than ends it.
“This is not an agreement to divide us—it is a roadmap to guide us through the remaining stages, grounded in constitutional integrity and mutual understanding. Our ultimate goal is to reach a destination that respects Bougainville’s aspirations while preserving the legal foundation of our nation.”
Melanesian Spirit of Dialogue and Shared Heritage
Drawing on the deep historical bonds between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the ancestral unity of Melanesian peoples long before the creation of the modern nation in 1975:
“Before there was a constitution—before there was a country called Papua New Guinea— there were Melanesian people living in this part of the earth. We lived on the mainland, on the islands, and in the Pacific. The Melanesian concept of people is inherent—we were already sovereign in our own way.”
He stressed that Papua New Guineans and Bougainvilleans are “people of the same stock,” and that the constitutional process must reflect both modern governance and traditional values:
“We don’t have to fear the past or the future. Let’s jointly work together. The constitutional process is clear. Respect for the authority of our Constitution is paramount.”
Acknowledging Bougainville’s Sacrifice and Commitment
Prime Minister Marape thanked the people of Bougainville for honouring the constitutional process, and made special mention of Bougainville’s historical relationship with Papua New Guinea:
“I want to say thank you to President Toroama and the people of Bougainville for respecting the Constitution of our country. The Melanesian Agreement we signed today acknowledges our shared responsibility to walk this path together, with mutual respect and in the spirit of Melanesian brotherhood.”
He reminded the people of Bougainville of PNG’s long-standing commitment, citing a pivotal moment in 1997 when members of the PNG Defence Force, including now-Minister Hon. Belden Namah, opposed the Sandline operation as an act of solidarity with Bougainville:
“Our soldiers cared for you. That was a clear statement from Papua New Guinea—that we care.”
Economic Empowerment and Self-Determination
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Bougainville economically, referencing recent decisions to transfer full shareholding in key resource projects to the Bougainville Government: “Giving back Panguna to you means you decide your own destiny. That is the highest form of acknowledgement from your brothers and sisters in the rest of the country.”
He pledged support for Bougainville’s sustainable development across agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and infrastructure:
“We are here to empower you so your people can prosper. Let us prepare Bougainville not just for political settlement, but for a thriving future.”
Tribute to President Toroama and Sir Jerry Mateparae
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged President Toroama’s pivotal role in the peace process—from being a signatory to the original 2001 Peace Agreement to now leading Bougainville through this crucial chapter:
“Your leadership at this crucial time is no accident. You bring historical wisdom and strength to a very delicate and important process.”
He also paid tribute to Sir Jerry Mateparae for his longstanding role as moderator: “Sir Jerry has been with us since 1997. His calm leadership and presence have helped us maintain focus and discipline throughout this journey. We deeply appreciate his service to both Bougainville and PNG.”
A Shared Future Ahead
Looking ahead to the submission of the final consultation report by June 30, Prime Minister Marape assured both Bougainvilleans and Papua New Guineans that the journey would continue in peace, unity, and trust:
“Let no one fear. We remain united in purpose. As one people, we are navigating this process together—with humility, with care, and with faith in our Constitution and in each other.”