The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has put a firm stand against false and fraudulent claims lodged with the Department of Finance and Treasury. Effective immediately, the ABG will enforce strict compliance mechanisms, rigorous verification processes, and swift disciplinary or legal action against anyone who attempts to manipulate or undermine government accountability systems. Chief Secretary and Head of Bougainville Public Service Mr. Kearnneth Nanei, emphasized that these measures are essential to protect scarce public resources, uphold transparency and accountability, and restore public confidence in government financial management. “The government will not tolerate fraudulent claims or intimidation tactics that compromise accountability and due process of ABG.” This follows a constructive meeting between the ABG, Ieta Chiefs, and peace claimants to address grievances surrounding halted peace and reconciliation payments, which had previously prompted threats against Finance and Treasury staff. Meanwhile, Secretary Stephanie Elizah, responsible for peace and reconciliation activities, expressed strong disappointment at being bypassed and not consulted, revealing that her signature had been forged on official documents to endorse claims she had not approved. She stated how extremely unhappy she was when not consulted, and even more alarmed that her signature was falsified to validate questionable claims. “This is fraud, plain and simple, and it compromises both accountability and the credibility of our peace process.” Through open dialogue, the ABG and Ieta Chiefs agreed that all outstanding peace claims will undergo a comprehensive compliance review following the 2025 ABG General Elections. The Department of Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation (DIMI), under Secretary Ms. Elizah, will engage directly with the 24 identified claimants to verify documents, disqualify fraudulent claims, and refer serious breaches for possible criminal prosecution. On the other hand, Caretaker Secretary for Finance and Treasury, Ms. Petrina Hasunn, reaffirmed her department’s commitment to integrity and accountability, acknowledging previous weaknesses in verification and pledging closer coordination with other departments and community leaders to prevent abuse. The Ieta Chiefs pledged full support for due process, emphasizing their role in guiding youths and addressing community grievances. Chief Francis Kelele urged Ieta youths to refrain from forgery, threats, and intimidation, instead pursuing claims through proper ABG channels. Moreover, Chief Secretary Nanei confirmed that no further payments will be processed until the new ABG government is sworn in and the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) is legally constituted to authorize disbursements. “Disruptions to government operations and security threats will not be tolerated, and stronger measures are being put in place to prevent intimidation as a tactic to press claims.” Additionally, Nanei condemned reports of public servants leaking confidential financial information to unauthorized individuals, describing it as a serious breach of trust and a violation of the principles of confidentiality and integrity expected of all members of the Bougainville Public Service. Departmental Heads have been directed to immediately remind staff of their obligations under the Public Service Act, relevant General Orders, and the Finance Management Act. “Officers found colluding with claimants, unlawfully disclosing information, or undermining due process will face strict disciplinary and legal consequences.” The ABG and Ieta leadership reaffirmed their commitment to peace, cooperation, and long-term development. Both parties agreed to revisit and progress the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Buka urban development and support the creation of an Interim Urban Development Committee. This committee, comprising ABG officials, Ieta Chiefs, community representatives, and stakeholders, will oversee land administration and urban development projects in Buka Town. Furthermore, Chief of Bougainville Police, Commissioner Francis Tokura, who formally closed the meeting, commended the patience and maturity shown by the Ieta Chiefs and claimants in choosing dialogue over confrontation. “Together, we must remain committed to peace, uphold law and order, and advance a shared vision for good governance and responsible development in Bougainville.”

Mr. Lucas Bierepi has made history as the first Member-elect for the newly created Kereaka Constituency in the west coast of North Bougainville. Mr. Bierepi was declared following the third exclusion of candidate Daniel Tokapip, which saw 458 votes distributed. At the conclusion of counting, Mr. Bierepi secured a total of 976 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 804 votes. Runner-up Charles Kakapetai finished with 631 votes. This declaration confirms Mr. Bierepi’s election to the Fifth Bougainville House of Representatives as the first ever duly elected Member for Kereaka Constituency. Also still in North Bougainville, Ezekiel Masatt (Box 13) has been re-elected as the Member for Tonsu Constituency. Masatt secured a total of 1,599 votes, surpassing the absolute majority requirement of 1,456 votes after the fifth exclusion. In the meantime, Mr. Fabian Epota Saleu has retained his seat as the duly elected Member for Torokina Constituency. Mr. Epota Saleu was formally declared yesterday morning at the Mamaro Count Centre following the 8th elimination of candidate Charles Katama. At the conclusion of counting, Mr. Epota Saleu secured 1,271 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 1,062 votes, while runner-up Michael Piriri finished with 851 votes.

With all counting for all constituencies winding down, Rau Constituency for Central Bougainville has made a declaration for Mr. Jason Baranangko. Mr. Baranangko has retained his seat after exceeding the absolute majority of 1,569 and polled a total of 1,794 votes ahead of his opponent in the 15 exclusions. Baranangko is the first candidate to be declared for Central Bougainville. In the meantime, South Bougainville has recorded its second declaration in the 2025 Bougainville General Election, with Justin Bonai officially declared as the new Member for Bolave Constituency. Mr. Bonai was declared at 2:50am (BST) yesterday morning following the third exclusion, polling 2,911 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 2,549. He unseats the incumbent Dennis Lokonai, who served as Minister for Health in the Fourth Toroama–Nisira Government.

The Moresby North- East electorate held mini-independence shows within the various suburbs in the lead up to the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. From 6 Mile to 5 Mile, Erima, Wildlife, ATS, Farea, 8 Mile, 9 Mile, Bomana, Kinakon, and Laloki area, all were assigned different days to host celebrations from the 12th of September to today,16th September. Yesterday saw a number of celebrations with traditional sing-sing groups, creative dance, live bands, a greasy pole competition and more. In the Bush Wara Farea show, residents from Farea, Tri kona, Saiwara and Bush wara and the neighbouring communities all came together to participate in the show. Farea Shoe Chairman Mr. Rex Tapo highlighted that about 60 different provincial groups submitted their names and took part in the celebrations, he also stated that the show featured a local band to entertain the crowd. The show was a very peaceful one. “Most Independence celebrations we often struggle with PMV just to go into town and witness or take part in Independence celebrations; however, for this year we are thankful for our local member Mr. John Kaupa for bringing the show to us, at our homes where it's safe.” Also, in ATS second block, a mini show was hosted, bringing the whole of ATS together, an estimated almost 5, 000 people turned up for the show. Mr. William Baudo, Chairman for ATS show, highlighted that despite been the very first time for such big event to happen in their community, it was an excellent turn out and a very peaceful celebration. “Thank you to our soldiers from the Kiki Barracks (ATW) for providing security, who work alongside our youths. The program was a success and safe one”. “It was an excellent show despite having 90 plus groups on the list to perform, seeing kids taking the lead in most acts is so heartwarming, a sight to behold that yes, we are proud of our country.” Some of these mini shows will continue today 16th September in the district.

Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, has died after he was shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump said on social media. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!" Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the fatal shooting a "political assassination." The manhunt for the suspected shooter is still underway, and the investigation is still ongoing, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The Utah Department of Public of Safety said in an update Wednesday night that two people were initially taken into custody after the shooting but later released. The first was released and later charged with obstruction by university police. The second person was taken into custody and released after an "interrogation" by law enforcement, the department said. Utah authorities said "there are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals." The FBI said it is working alongside state and local law enforcement to "to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk" and asked for tips from the public, urging anyone with information, photos and video from the incident to share it with investigators. A single shot was fired on Utah Valley University's Orem campus toward Kirk, a visiting speaker, shortly after noon, the school said. "He was hit and taken from the location by his security," the university said. Kirk, 31, was taken to a hospital after being shot, according to Turning Point USA, which said, "with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gun shot" during the campus event. "We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers," the organization said. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason called the shooting a "targeted attack," and said the scene is a "very large area." Mason said the "only information" they have on the possible shooter was taken from CCTV on campus, and that the person was dressed in all dark clothing. The shot was fired on campus from a "longer distance," potentially from a roof, he said. There is no evidence that anyone else was involved, according to authorities. Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said the investigation is in the early stages. "We are following all the leads and all the evidence," he said during the press briefing on Wednesday.

All school vehicles are to be grounded in the school area during the Third Term Holidays from the 8th of September to the 19th of September, this is the advice from the Acting Simbu Provincial Education Advisor Mr. Kutna Bepwick. Mr. Bepwick in a circular released highlighted that with many events happenings around the province during this 50th pre- and post-independence celebrations there could be disorderly conducts too which will pose risks and danger on government vehicles and schools may become victims if school vehicles are attacked. Furthermore, school vehicles are intended only for school runs and not personal runs, thus, no personal or family runs will be entertained during the celebration period. “All school vehicles are to be grounded, until after 19th September”, said Mr. Bepwick. “Any vehicle seen driven will be impounded by the police and the concerned school head will be charged accordingly.”

Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commission (OBEC) has announced that polling for the 2025 Bougainville General Elections is complete, including polling for Bougainvilleans outside Bougainville (BOBs). Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai reported that polling was generally peaceful and thanked voters, polling officials, security personnel, candidates and communities for their patience, discipline attitude and commitment throughout the process. OBEC further announced that counting will begin on 11th September at four counting centres, following materials return and intake. “The Presidential ballots will be counted at the Presidential Count Center in Buka, while the other seats will be counted at regional counting centers in North, Central and South Bougainville.” “The counting process is anticipated to be completed, with the writs formally returned, by 22 September 2025.” OBEC noted that Observers, scrutineers and the media will be able to observe counting in line with OBEC protocols. For electoral updates, people are urged to visit OBEC via its Facebook page and also to visit the new election platform www.abgelections2025.com

‘GENDER APPRECIATION’, is a storytelling documentary, about the roles of women and the importance of women in every community. The film was screened by PNG Tribal Foundation to over 40 women and girls, including school children, at the Salvation Army Church, Kaugere in Moresby South, last Friday 05th September 2025. Those who sat down to watch had a mixture of emotions, tears were shared, a sense of guilt and frustration was felt also. Many felt ashamed of their actions after watching the documentary and recalling the ordeal and experiences of how gender-based violence has been rooted in their homes and communities. Amongst the 41 attendees were eight males, mostly youths, who attended the free screening and reflected on their parents and have pledged to value women and allow more women making decisions. A woman from Milne Bay, married for 15 years, shared the ordeal of violence she endured in her home with her children, the moment she forced herself into marriage after her parents stopped her form attending nursing college. “Marriage is one of the biggest responsibilities and it’s not easy when you face violence at home every day from your husband who was supposed to love and protect you, and I have been living in hell with my four children. “There are many women facing violence at their homes, and we all need to come out from this,” she said. A woman from Gulf said violence is common in settlements, and it is even affecting the innocent and vulnerable children. The documentary portrays the real-life women go through, and men must change the way they see women and value them. Another woman said the film is very important and must be watched by more men to shift their mindset on valuing women, important roles female place at home, raising children, running a small business, keeping family and home in order, and importantly, women must be given equal opportunities when making decisions, setting out rules, accessing education, and being loved. The film is an anti-violence campaign awareness Tribal Foundation carried out in communities, especially in hotspot communities where domestic violence is seen as normal, and the film focused on shifting mindsets of individuals to value women in society. Tribal Foundation’s President GT Bustin said film screening in communities includes communication tools, a personal pledge, and facilitated community discussion where participants are allowed to share and reflect on the film, how they understand and what they understand about gender-based violence. The film has been shown in Australia and the United States with over 500 showings, and it is entirely in Tok Pisin with English subtitles for viewing in Australia and the United States, as well as for international audiences within PNG. The reach of the film since its rollout in 2015 has been to over 17 provinces and has impacted approximately 200,000 Papua New Guinean lives.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has confirmed that Pacific Island leaders will travel to Port Moresby following the conclusion of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Marape stated that the leaders have assured him of their solidarity and will be in Papua New Guinea for the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. “All our Pacific brothers and sisters, the leaders of the region, have expressed their commitment to stand with us as Papua New Guinea marks its 50th Independence Anniversary,” Prime Minister Marape said. “After our meeting here in Honiara, they will travel to Port Moresby on a Solomon Islands–assisted charter this Saturday and will remain with us until the 17th of September before departing for their respective countries or onward to the United Nations General Assembly.” Marape added that the Pacific Island leader’s presence will be a great privilege for Papua New Guinea and a profound show of solidarity with the region. Prime Minister Marape said the participation of Pacific leaders reflects the strong bonds of unity and friendship across the region and underlines the importance of Papua New Guinea’s milestone celebration. “We sincerely appreciate their commitment to stand with our people during this historic occasion,” he said. “Our shared future as Pacific nations is strengthened when we come together to celebrate each other’s achievements.” The Golden Jubilee celebrations will feature a week-long programme of national and regional events leading up to Independence Day on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has raised serious concerns regarding an unauthorized landing of New Zealand C-130 aircraft in Buka on Thursday 04th September 2025, describing it as a breach of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Attorney General Ezekiel Masatt said the incident occurred without prior consultation or authorization from the ABG, as it was required under the Agreement. He said that this principle of consultation and cooperation is fundamental to maintaining peace and stability in Bougainville. The Attorney General further noted that the timing of the incident was particularly sensitive. “At a time when Bougainville is holding elections, and shortly after the high-level meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, this action has created unnecessary suspicion and apprehension,” he said. While acknowledging that the aircraft’s mission may have had humanitarian purposes, Mr. Masatt stressed that such intentions do not override agreed processes. “This is a serious breach of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, whether the operation is for Humanitarian purposes or not is irrelevant,” he said. The ABG has called on the Governments of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to respect the Bougainville Peace Agreement and ensure that proper processes are followed in the future.

The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) commends the people of Bougainville for their turnout yesterday during the polling, which was a proud reflection of Bougainville’s commitment to democracy. Polling was conducted peacefully across Bougainville on Friday 5th September, following polling in Atolls Constituency on Thursday, 4 September 2025. Early reports indicated that voter turnout was good, with large numbers of Bougainvilleans coming out to cast their votes. OBEC acknowledges that some voters faced long waits, particularly in polling places serving Bougainvilleans in Bougainville but away from their constituencies, such as in Buka, and that others were disappointed as their names were not found on the rolls. These experiences are valid, and OBEC takes them seriously, highlighting that all feedback from voters, observers, and stakeholders will be considered as part of the post-election review processes. “The long queues we saw in some places were a challenge, but they are also a reflection of something we should celebrate -- Bougainvillea’s’ commitment to democracy and their determination to make their voices heard,” the Electoral Commissioner said. To ensure every eligible voter has the chance to participate, OBEC has allowed polling for some polling teams to be extended to today Saturday 6th September to allow anyone who was in the queue at 1600 BST on 5 September but who was unable to cast their vote to return to their polling place and cast their vote today. These decisions were based on assessments made by the Assistant Returning Officers, Returning Officers and the Commissioner, considering factors such as late openings and limited availability of resources that would have allowed polling to continue into the night, such as electricity and security arrangements. This extension is part of OBEC’s commitment to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. “High turnout is a strength of our democracy.” “Listening to voters and learning from their experiences will help us build an even better electoral process for the future,” said Electoral Commissioner. OBEC thanks voters, officials, and partners for their patience, cooperation, and dedication to strengthening Bougainville’s democracy

President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, this week reaffirmed Bougainville’s unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law in his bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently during their meet here in Port Moresby during the United Nations Secretary-General 3days official visit. In his address, President Toroama called on the United Nations and the international community to recognize and uphold the democratic choice of the Bougainville people, who voted overwhelmingly – 97.7 percent – for independence in the 2019 Referendum. “Mr. Secretary General, I would like to assure you that Bougainville respects the democratic principles and human rights and fundamental freedoms as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and as given expression in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other international human rights instruments embedded in International Law,” President Toroama said. He emphasized also that PNG became a state party to the provisions of the treaties, under international law and “is therefore obliged to accept, respect and endorse the binding Bougainville referendum result for independence.” President Toroama highlighted that the definition of independence that was on the referendum ballot paper, was provided by the National Government. “PNG was in effect, foreshadowing Bougainville’s Independence with the definition which essentially articulated for Bougainville to be a separate independent state, separate from PNG.” “PNG is bound by its own consent to be a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other international human rights instruments embedded in International Law thus having a duty to adhere to the provisions of these treaties.” President Toroama also acknowledged the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s (UNPBF) role in enabling the successful referendum and called for its continued support as Bougainville transitions into independence. The President also highlighted the Melanesian Agreement, signed with Prime Minister James Marape in June 2025, which provides a framework for ratification of the Referendum result and outlines awareness programs for both the National Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. “Equally, Bougainville’s compliance of the Peace Agreement and Part XIV of the PNG Constitution over the last twenty-four years and my government believes that the aspirations of our people must now be realized,” President Toroama elaborated. President Toroama also acknowledged the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s (UNPBF) role in enabling the successful referendum and called for its continued support as Bougainville transitions into independence. President Toroama also appealed for two important aspects to be considered. · The separation of UN Peacebuilding Fund management between the PNG Highlands and Bougainville, highlighting the distinct contexts and outcomes of the two conflicts. · The restoration of a UN political office in Bougainville to better support the region’s unique peacebuilding journey. President Toroama emphasized Bougainville as a model of peacebuilding and conflict resolution worldwide. “I believe that in a world experiencing so much conflict, turmoil and adversity, Bougainville can be the beacon of hope and inspiration by sharing the successful story of peacebuilding, overcoming difficulties, and finding solutions to conflict, sustaining peace and self-determination.”