PNG PM makes amends before Bougainville visit

Just days before a planned visit to the autonomous region of Bougainville; a first by a PNG prime minister since the end of a 10-year civil war in 1997, prime minister Peter O’Neill has been presented with a bow and arrow by the leaders of the former troubled province. The symbolic gifts would be publicly broken in Bougainville to signify the ‘end of hostilities’ there. The exchange of traditional gifts in Port Moresby marks a ceremonial reconciliation between O’Neill and president of the autonomous government Chief John Momis. In September 2013, Momis accused O’Neill of reneging on referendum funding— leading to a public spat between the two leaders.

Mr O’Neill’s visit will now go ahead as planned, despite strong opposition from the Mekeemui council of chiefs in Central Bougainville.

This article was written by

Kiery Manassah

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