The people of Selau Suir constituencies in the northern tip of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Mainland are now fully united and ready to take part in the coming 2019 Referendum.
This follows a major mass reconciliation ceremony held last Friday at the Christ the King - Hantoa Catholic Parish between ex-combatants, local chiefs and the community.
Hundreds of people gathered to witness the crucial event where former combatants of the Bougainville Conflict publicly apologised to the local chiefs for their part in joining rival factions during the 15 years of the Bougainville Conflict and causing sufferings and human rights violations in the communities.
Selau Constituency Member, Joseph Watawi, said the event signalled a new chapter for the people to work together for a prosperous future.
“We now bury all our past. We turn to a future of prosperity for our people to live in peace.”
He said the event signified an ongoing commitment to peace and to prepare for the crucial referendum targeted for June 25, 2019.
Watawi also said a final weapons disposal ceremony would be held around the 5th of November this year.
During the event, the local chiefs had also unveiled a stone monument to symbolise their commitment to peace in the Selau Suir Area.