Bougainville Rebels, PNG Sign Comprehensive Autonomy Deal

August 31, 2001 8:01 PM

Bougainville Rebels, PNG Sign Comprehensive Autonomy Deal
The deal, following two years of dialogue and almost a decade of violence, will culminate in a referendum on independence in 10 years. When fully implemented, it will give Bougainville broad autonomy in legislation, judiciary, and its own police force. Bougainvilleans fight for secession stems from PNG's distribution of revenue from gold mines on the island. Kabui's remarks at the signing emphasized the Bougainvillean identity and culture that autonomy would protect.
posted by rschram (5 comments total)

So, I'm a little uncertain about the pairing of the protection of culture and political autonomy. One can see the same arguments made in Indonesia (West Papua -- the hit counter read six when I landed there. How's that for new?)
posted by rschram at 8:07 PM on August 31, 2001

I think there's a lot of ironies to culture and protecting traditional identities (Women Discuss 'New Bougainville'; Carteret Atoll Kids Get Emergency Food Relief) Take for instance the Racism Conference, which is meant to basically affirm that "dignity" is a human right. That is, being free to be yourself and be free of persecution for being different (culturally--there's no way the UN can agree on what is a race.) Is that really so basic a concern? Do other rights depend on this kind of dignity? I mean, I support the UN's effort here to dramatize racism, but I feel like a missed a lesson out of the liberal democracy textbook.
posted by rschram at 8:18 PM on August 31, 2001

By the way, in case anyone's curious, it's pronounced BOO-gun-vee.
posted by Steven Den Beste at 11:00 PM on August 31, 2001

For those unfamiliar with the history of Bougainville - the incredible resourcefulness of the people and their harnessing of sustainable natural resources in their struggle is remarkable.
posted by johnny novak at 4:56 AM on September 1, 2001

[T]heir harnessing of sustainable natural resources in their struggle is remarkable.

I would give unqualified support to Bougainville independence if it meant more horticulture and less wage labor and cash-cropping. But, as far as I know, mining is going to continue on the island. The revenues are going to be spent differently.
posted by rschram at 6:43 PM on September 1, 2001