Bougainville Civil War veterans have been urged to take a more active role in supporting the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) efforts to stimulate economic growth in the region. This call to action was made by Bougainville President and former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander Ishmael Toroama during a recent meeting with veterans from North, South, and Central Bougainville in Arawa Town.
The meeting, an initiative by the Toroama Administration, aimed to rally support from veterans and other key stakeholders to reopen the defunct Panguna Mine.
“Many of us answered the call from Francis Ona to fight against the oppression by Rio Tinto and the PNG Government to defend our rights, our people, and our land,” President Toroama stated. “We stood firm against the oppressors to ensure Bougainville’s path to becoming an independent sovereign nation.”
Reflecting on the past, President Toroama acknowledged the feelings of marginalization and underappreciation among the veterans for their contributions to Bougainville. “I understand how you feel,” he said, “but now is the time for us to take responsibility for our actions, support the government, and engage in the redevelopment of Bougainville.”
President Toroama emphasized the critical decision to reopen the Panguna Mine, citing its potential to drive economic growth and fund Bougainville’s independence. “We were united in shutting down the mine to oppose oppression; now we must support the government’s initiative to reopen it,” he added.
The meeting with the veterans is part of a broader series of consultations by the ABG with various stakeholders, including the Panguna landowners.
