Sustaining Peace in Bougainville

Twenty-three years ago, the Bougainville Peace Agreement ended the deadliest conflict in the South Pacific since World War II after a decade of fighting. The hard-won peace in what is now the Autonomous Region of Bougainville — made up of Papua New Guinea’s easternmost islands — has been regarded as a rare success story among contemporary peace processes. However, Bougainville’s political future remains unresolved. Despite Bougainvilleans voting overwhelmingly for independence in a 2019 nonbinding referendum, the ensuing consultations between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville have been slowed by delays and disputes, which risks heightening tensions as Bougainville’s aspirations for independence remain on hold.

Join USIP for a conversation about the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and what the peace process’s uncertain future might mean for peace and security in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and the broader region.

Speakers:

Dr. Gordon Peake, moderator
Senior Advisor, Pacific Islands, U.S. Institute of Peace

James Tanis
Former President, Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Kevin Pullen
Former Strategic Adviser to the Chief Secretary, Government of Papua New Guinea; PhD Candidate, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University

Camilla Pohle
Senior Program Specialist, Pacific Islands, U.S. Institute of Peace

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