PNG must learn lessons from Bougainville

 THE Bougainville crisis was perhaps one of the most destructive man-made disasters in the history of PNG as an independent state.  It was a preventable crisis from the beginning and one that should provide somber thoughts for reflection as PNG celebrates its 40 years of independence.  

More than 15,000 Bougainvilleans, mostly innocent civilians and countless other Papua New Guineans lost their lives through this conflict. The Royal PNG Constabulary and PNG Defense Force were involved in this conflict on orders from the successive governments since 1989 to 1997. 

Initially, the RPNGC as the coercive arm of the State was called on to quell a protest that grew out of legitimate concerns about environmental damages and wealth redistribution.  

What was more unfortunate about the ensuing conflict was that it was prosecuted in the name of ordinary Papua New Guineans. 

The State through its instrumentalities, representing the collective will of the people committed us to a war against our very own people in Bougainville.  

PNG citizens through their taxes, and the decisions of our elected representatives in Parliament legitimised the presence and the wanton destruction of Bougainville. 

Bougainville was a thriving province and set the benchmark in terms of its economic development. 

It also was the main source of revenue for the PNG economy. 

The civil war destroyed the economic infrastructure and traumatized generations of Bougainvilleans. 

What was done in the name of all Papua New Guineans by our government against the innocent peoples of Bougainville is a serious curse that needs a process of national healing and reconciliation. 

Patrick Kaiku

Waigani, NCD