Buin Declaration

Export agreement:

Export agreement coding (PDF)

Country/entity: Papua New Guinea
Bougainville
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Buin Declaration
Date: 22 Aug 1998
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Bougainville Conflict (1987 - 1998)
The conflict on Bougainville, an island under the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea (PNG), began in 1987 as a dispute over compensation for the use of land by Bougainville Copper Ltd, a an Australian subsidiary. The underlying issue of independence soon emerged and the conflict escalated between the government of PNG and the native islanders, in turn spearheaded by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA). Until fighting ended in 1998, an estimated 20,000 died in the conflict. Several pre-negotiation agreements culminated in an agreement to a ‘permanent and irrevocable’ ceasefire, and a framework for normalizing the PNG-Bourgainville relationship, which included elections.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Bougainville: peace process
Parties: Signed by:
Representing the chiefs of Central Bougainville, Peter Mekea, Peter Kalasoi, Sameul Kopa, Amos toroama, bibi Narunsi, Ikea Kakito, Robert Abara;
Representing the chiefs of South Bougainville, Hera Potunga, Paul Kaile, Daniel Tsibim, Linus Konukung, james Mita, John Monko;
Representing the chiefs of North Bougainville, Joel banam, Carolus Ketsimur, John Tabinaman, Amos Toromuir, Dennis Sareke, Avo Sini, Joe Toarats, Osborne Tomi;
Representing the women of Bougainville, Thersa Jaintong, Josephine Kauona;
Third parties: Witnessed by:
Honourable Reverend Leslie Beseto, CMG MO, Minister for Home Affairs & Chairman of Solomon Islands, Bougainville Peace committee, Government of Solomon Islands;
Description: Pan Bougainvillean Leaders Congress reaffirming Burnham Declaration, Lincoln Agreement, the Arawa Implementation of Ceasefire Agreement.

Agreement document: PG_980822_Buin Declaration.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Main category: Page 2, Signed by,
...Representing the women of Bougainville, Thersa Jaintong, Josephine Kauona;

Women, girls and gender

Participation: No specific mention.
Equality: No specific mention.
Particular groups of women: No specific mention.
International law: No specific mention.
New institutions: No specific mention.
Violence against women: No specific mention.
Transitional justice: No specific mention.
Institutional reform: No specific mention.
Development: No specific mention.
Implementation: Implementation→Signing or witnessing agreement
Page 2, Signed by,
...Representing the women of Bougainville, Thersa Jaintong, Josephine Kauona;
Other: No specific mention.

Buin Declaration

22 August 1998

Of the PAn Bougainville Leaders Congress 20-22 August 1998

The Pan Bougainville Leaders Congress (the 'Congress') representing the people of Bougainville, having met in Buin, South Bougainville from 20-22 August 1998.

Reaffirming the Burnham Declaration, the Lincoln Agreement and the Arawa Implementation of Cease-Fire Agreement.

Concerning that the peace process has slowed down due to misunderstanding between the parties, but appreciating the positive decision made by the Government of Papua New Guinea, made on 19 August, for the total rescinding of all call-out orders.

Aware of the need for a process which takes into account the right of the people to self-determination.

Hereby Declares as follows:

1. Political Issue

The congress believes that the people of Bougainville are united in their common aspiration for an independent homeland.

To this end, the Congress calls upon the Government of Papua New Guniea to give the people of Bougainville, as a matter of principle, the change to exercise to exercise their individual and collective rights to self-determination.

The Congress acknowledges, however, that a people resolution is only possible through people negotiations with the Government of Papua New Guinea.

It will continue to support only peaceful means, and calls on all communities on Bougainville to respect this principle.

The Congress, therefore, calls on its leaders to present Bougainville's case for self determination at the next round of the all-parties negotiations.

2. Bougainville Reconciliation Movement.

Consistent with the Lincoln Agreement, the Congress reaffirms the need to immediately establish the Bougainville Reconciliation Government by the end of 1998 - be it elected, appointed or nominated, or both.

It calls for the establishment of this Government under a new Interim Constitution.

The Congress, therefore, endorses the appointment of a Working Committee to prepare the structure for presentation to the PPCC.

Other Issues

The Congress also noted concerns over the issues of development, immigration and disposal of aims.

It, therefore, mandates the Working Committee to present these issues as a matter of priority at the next PPCC Meeting.

Declared at Buin, this 22 August 1998

Signed by:

Representing the chiefs of Central Bougainville, Peter Mekea, Peter Kalasoi, Sameul Kopa, Amos toroama, bibi Narunsi, Ikea Kakito, Robert Abara;

Representing the chiefs of South Bougainville, Hera Potunga, Paul Kaile, Daniel Tsibim, Linus Konukung, james Mita, John Monko;

Representing the chiefs of North Bougainville, Joel banam, Carolus Ketsimur, John Tabinaman, Amos Toromuir, Dennis Sareke, Avo Sini, Joe Toarats, Osborne Tomi;

Representing the women of Bougainville, Thersa Jaintong, Josephine Kauona;

Witnessed by:

Honourable Reverend Leslie Beseto, CMG MO, Minister for Home Affairs & Chairman of Solomon Islands, Bougainville Peace committee, Government of Solomon Islands;