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Veteran Bougainville politician wants new approach to independence and development

Veteran Bougainville Politician Calls for Fresh Strategy on Independence and Economic Growth

In the autonomous region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, a seasoned political figure is pushing for a paradigm shift in how the island pursues its long-held dream of independence while fostering sustainable development. Joseph Watawi, a veteran politician with decades of experience in Bougainville's turbulent political landscape, has emerged as a vocal advocate for rethinking the strategies that have defined the region's post-conflict era. Watawi, who has served in various capacities including as a member of the Bougainville House of Representatives and a key advisor during peace negotiations, believes that the current approaches are mired in outdated thinking and bureaucratic hurdles, potentially stalling progress toward sovereignty and prosperity.

Bougainville's quest for independence stems from a bloody civil war that raged from 1988 to 1998, triggered largely by disputes over the Panguna copper mine operated by Rio Tinto's subsidiary, Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL). The conflict, which claimed thousands of lives and devastated the local economy, culminated in a peace agreement in 2001 that granted Bougainville autonomy and the right to a referendum on independence. That pivotal vote occurred in 2019, with an overwhelming 97.7% of Bougainvilleans favoring separation from Papua New Guinea. However, the path forward has been fraught with delays, as the referendum's results are non-binding and require ratification by the PNG national parliament—a process that has dragged on amid political negotiations and logistical challenges.

Watawi argues that Bougainville's leadership must move beyond the "wait-and-see" mentality that has characterized the post-referendum period. "We've been talking about independence for over 30 years, but talking alone won't build our nation," he stated in a recent interview. Instead, he proposes a multifaceted approach that integrates economic self-reliance with diplomatic maneuvering. Central to his vision is the revival of the Panguna mine, but under terms that prioritize local control and environmental safeguards. The mine, once one of the world's largest open-pit copper operations, has been shuttered since the war began, leaving behind a legacy of environmental degradation and unresolved grievances. Watawi envisions a restructured mining agreement where Bougainvilleans hold majority stakes, ensuring that revenues directly benefit community development rather than foreign entities.

Beyond mining, Watawi emphasizes diversifying Bougainville's economy to reduce dependency on resource extraction. He points to agriculture, fisheries, and tourism as untapped sectors with immense potential. Bougainville's fertile lands and rich biodiversity could support large-scale cocoa and copra production, which were economic mainstays before the conflict. "We have the resources; what we lack is the innovation and investment to harness them," Watawi noted. He advocates for partnerships with international organizations and neighboring Pacific nations to provide technical expertise and funding for infrastructure projects, such as improving roads, ports, and energy systems. For instance, enhancing the region's cocoa industry could involve modern processing facilities and export agreements, potentially generating millions in revenue annually.

On the independence front, Watawi criticizes the slow pace of consultations between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the PNG central government. He suggests a more proactive diplomatic strategy, including engaging directly with international bodies like the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum to garner support for Bougainville's sovereignty. "We can't afford to let Port Moresby dictate the timeline," he asserted, referring to PNG's capital. Watawi proposes forming a dedicated task force comprising Bougainvillean experts, elders, and youth representatives to draft a comprehensive independence roadmap. This would include timelines for constitutional reforms, border delineations, and security arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition if and when independence is achieved.

Watawi's ideas are informed by his extensive background. A former combatant in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the civil war, he transitioned into politics after the peace accord, serving as a minister in the ABG and contributing to the drafting of Bougainville's constitution. His experiences have given him a unique perspective on the interplay between conflict resolution, governance, and development. He recalls the hardships of the war years, when Bougainvilleans innovated with limited resources—creating makeshift hospitals and communication systems—which he believes can inspire current self-sufficiency efforts. "The ingenuity we showed in crisis must now be applied to building our future," he said.

Critics, however, question whether Watawi's proposals are feasible given Bougainville's challenges. The region faces significant hurdles, including a lack of skilled workforce, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing reconciliation needs among communities divided by the war. Environmental concerns surrounding the Panguna mine's reopening are particularly contentious, with some groups fearing a repeat of past pollution that contaminated rivers and farmlands. Watawi acknowledges these issues, stressing the need for transparent environmental impact assessments and community consultations. "Development without the people's buy-in is doomed to fail," he emphasized.

Moreover, Watawi calls for greater inclusion of women and youth in decision-making processes. Bougainville has a matrilineal society where women traditionally hold land rights, yet their representation in politics remains limited. He advocates for policies that empower women through education and economic opportunities, arguing that their involvement is crucial for sustainable development. Youth, who make up a large portion of the population, should be trained in vocational skills to drive innovation in sectors like renewable energy and technology.

Economically, Watawi envisions Bougainville as a hub for eco-tourism, leveraging its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Sites like the Panguna mine could even be transformed into educational tours highlighting the region's history of resilience. He proposes seeking investments from ethical funds and development banks to fund these initiatives, rather than relying solely on PNG's budgetary allocations, which have been inconsistent.

In terms of international relations, Watawi urges Bougainville to strengthen ties with Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific allies. Australia, as a former colonial power and key player in the peace process, could provide aid for capacity-building. He also sees potential in aligning with the Melanesian Spearhead Group to amplify Bougainville's voice on the global stage.

Watawi's push for a new approach comes at a critical juncture. With PNG's national elections on the horizon and growing impatience among Bougainvilleans, the risk of renewed tensions looms. Recent protests and calls for faster action underscore the urgency. Watawi warns that without bold steps, the dream of independence could fade into disillusionment. "We fought for our freedom; now we must build it with our hands," he declared.

His proposals have sparked debate within Bougainville's political circles. Supporters praise his forward-thinking vision, while skeptics argue it overlooks the complexities of negotiating with PNG. ABG President Ishmael Toroama has expressed openness to innovative ideas, though no formal adoption of Watawi's plan has been announced.

Ultimately, Watawi's call represents a broader sentiment in Bougainville: the need to blend aspiration with pragmatism. As the region navigates the delicate balance between autonomy and full sovereignty, leaders like him are reminding their people that independence is not just a political goal but a foundation for equitable development. Whether his strategies gain traction could determine the trajectory of Bougainville's future, potentially setting a model for other self-determination movements in the Pacific.

This renewed focus on strategy highlights the evolving narrative in Bougainville, where the scars of war are giving way to blueprints for progress. As Watawi puts it, "The time for waiting is over; the time for action is now." With the eyes of the international community watching, Bougainville's path forward may well hinge on embracing such innovative approaches to secure both its independence and its prosperity. (Word count: 1,028)

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