By AUGUSTINE KINNA
Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) commander Thomas Tari from South Bougainville is now taking the leading role in the reconciliation process of peace and unity with his people.
Mr Tari, regarded as a fearsome BRA commander, stepped away from his past in a public reconciliation ceremony that was held at the Baubake constituency in Laguai.
Factions of the BRA, Bougainville Resistant Force (BRF), Bougainville Freedom Fighters (BFF) and those who suffered at their hands, decided to forgive and forget and embraced each other in the ceremony.
Reconciliation committee chairman Steven Kopana said the people want to forget the past and see change and development in their area and enjoy freedom.
He said for a long time, his committee had tried to mediate the outstanding cases of reconciliation in the area but did not succeed and this was a breakthrough.
“We, the people of Baubake and Buin, are very happy to see one of our former hardcore BRA commanders coming forward to reconcile,” Mr Kopana said.
Former BRA commander Thomas Tari said he was happy for the reconciliation and assured the people that he was also ready to lay down his weapons.
“There is no more time to play with our lives living in fear and pain.
“We all must forgive each other and work together in promoting peace in our communities,” Mr Tari said.
He said guns were still a problem in Bougainville which the Government needed to pay special attention.
He admitted to the people that he still had guns in his possession because the Mekamui, BFF, BRF and the U- Vistract fraction are still holding on to theirs.
However, he said he was ready to hand over his weapons if the Government helped with reconciliation and weapons disposal programme in other areas.