President for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Dr John Momis has made a call for unity to all Bougainvilleans as the region prepares to decide its political future through a referendum.
Momis said Bougainvilleans must unite to implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the referendum peacefully and let it be a process of integrity.
“Bougainvilleans are a highly favoured people, due to the Bougainville Crises it is only in Bougainville that we have the unique opportunity to develop a new socio-economic political order and determine our own political future,” said Momis.
He added that Bougainvilleans must understand that they must be prepared to accept the consequences of their decisions come the referendum in a couple of years’ time.
“If we mess it up now then we are bound to fail and not realize our aspirations but if we follow through with the Bougainville Peace Agreement and respect the rule of law, promote good governance and except the responsibility of our actions then we will be able to liberate ourselves,” said Momis.
Momis also urged Bougainvilleans to do a self-analysis and embrace their core values that comprise of Christian and cultural principles that will refine Bougainville society and give a strong foundation to the people as they move towards the future.
“Our world view is one that not only ends here but extends to the future and onto the next life and is one that looks toward creating a just society that empowers the people and respects their dignity,” said Momis.
The Referendum to determine Bougainville’s political future has been marked for June 15 2019.
Meanwhile both the ABG and the National Government are at loggerheads over GoPNG’s continued delay in releasing grants owed to the ABG.