There is great dignity in the political affairs in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville at the present time with Ishmael Toroama elected as President. He has earned his spurs as the Commander of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
The conflict that arose in 1988 has caused great grief that has not gone away as families and clans still suffer the loss of loved ones. The conflict divided the people of Bougainville.
Without putting too fine a line on the matter, mentioning names or laying blame, we must remember those men in the PNGDF who brought Sandline to a close. On Bougainville, foreign mercenaries would have shot anybody black just to be sure.
The soldiers were sentenced to prison on a matter of treason. They must be quietly remembered in PNG and Bougainville. Very few of us have to make such a decision to go against the Government.
As an Australian, I hope that our Government does its best to keep Bougainville on its feet. Times will be tough in years to come.
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