The Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter L. Tsiamalili Jr., has reaffirmed his commitment to unity and reconciliation as the PNG Supreme Court heard and reserved its decision on the Prime Minister’s Commitment substantive appeal.
The appeal, listed as SCA 164 of 2025 — Autonomous Bougainville Government vs Hon. Peter Tsiamalili MP — was heard in Court Room SC1 from 9:30am to 12:00 noon before a three-judge bench comprising Justice Cannings, Justice Tolkien and Justice David. The Court has now reserved its ruling.
Despite the matter proceeding through the courts, Hon. Tsiamalili said he has consistently pursued dialogue and reconciliation, maintaining that litigation should be a last resort between Bougainville leaders.
From the outset, he facilitated high-level discussions in Port Moresby and personally travelled to Buka in February 2026 to progress a Deed of Release aimed at resolving the dispute amicably.
In a formal statement dated 24 February 2026, the Regional Member reaffirmed his genuine intention to settle the Prime Minister’s Commitment matter out of court.
The correspondence outlines steps taken toward settlement and underscores his preference for political and administrative solutions over prolonged legal confrontation, he said in a statement this evening.
He noted that the National Court had previously ruled in favor of the defendants, yet dialogue was reinitiated in good faith after the appeal was lodged.
According to Hon. Tsiamalili, efforts were made at the highest political level to avoid division and secure a mutually acceptable outcome.
Throughout the process, he said his focus has remained on reconciling the Bougainville Infrastructure Trust Account and facilitating the proper and lawful release of the Prime Minister’s Commitment funds to the Autonomous Bougainville Government in line with agreed understandings and due process.
“This matter has never been about division. It has always been about ensuring proper process, institutional clarity, and unity among Bougainville leaders. We must not allow internal matters to weaken our collective future,” Hon. Tsiamalili stated.
As Bougainville continues its journey toward greater autonomy and independence readiness, he called for calm, unity and respect for the Supreme Court’s authority, assuring the public that—regardless of the reserved decision—his leadership will remain focused on reconciliation, institutional integrity and safeguarding Bougainville’s long-term interests.
“Unity is our strength,” he said. “Bougainville’s future must never be compromised by internal division.”