B’ville hailed for staying the course for peace

SOUTH Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu has thanked the people of Torokina and the different factions in the Bougainville crisis for showing true commitment to peace-building and unity on Bougainville.
Masiu said he was happy to see the people of Torokina agreeing to unite and stand together to achieve the referendum.
He said he was moved by the genuineness and sincerity of the different factions towards re-establishing and rebuilding unity among families.
He reiterated sentiments expressed by Panguna-based Mekamui’s Moses Pipiro that the mass reconciliation by high profile members of the Bougainville Revolution Army, the Bougainville Resistance Force and Mekamui was the opening of a new chapter in Bougainville’s push for independence. Members of the three groups met in Torokina for the mass reconciliation last Wednesday which included the surrender of weapons.
The factions apologised to the families of victims and each other, shook hands and embraced each other before their leaders jointly broke a bow and arrows to symbolise the restoration of peace and unity.
They also handed over a new bow and arrow to their traditional chiefs symbolising that they are restoring the power and authority of traditional leadership which was usurped during the crisis.
They then signed a declaration of reconciliation witnessed by Masiu, the ABG Member for Torokina Steven Suako, Community Government chairman John Kavi and other chiefs.