President Toroama urges government to honor ABG resolutions

The National Government has been urged to honor the joint supervisory body resolutions among which, pertains to millions of kinas worth of funds kept in trust.

President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Ishmael Toroama made this bold statement at the opening of the JSB meeting in Port Moresby, today.

He issued this strong call, saying that if the resolutions are not honored, there would be serious implications - among them, no 2027 national elections in the region.

During the meeting President Ishmael Toroama expressed concerns that the two governments are beginning to behave in a manner that renders JSB resolutions irrelevant.

He reminded both parties that JSB is at the Centre of the Bougainville Peace Process for the last 24 years.

Currently, the ABG is facing legal challenges regarding the withholding of funds allocated for its budget from the national government, totaling K125 million.

The President says these funds must be remitted to retire its outstanding Restoration Development Grants Arrears, which was captured in the JSB Resolution of May 8th, 2024.

He questioned the Prime Minister's silence on this matter.

Furthermore, Mr. Toroama called on the national government to recognize the legality and validity of the JSB Resolutions, adding there may be likely implication on the 2027 national elections.

In response, Mr Marape says he had been quiet as the matter is before the Courts.

He's however reassured them that commitments made to ABG will be honored.