Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about Bougainville’s future.
“After thorough consideration and consultation, we have asked Sir Jerry Mateparae to take up the independent moderator role to support our two governments,” Marape and Toroama said in a joint statement.
The decision to appoint a moderator was made during the last Joint Supervisory Body meeting in May 2024.
Sir Jerry, a former Governor-General of New Zealand and High Commissioner to the UK, has a distinguished military career, including serving as New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force.
He also has extensive experience in peace monitoring in conflict and post-conflict environments, including in East Timor. Notably, Sir Jerry was the Commander of the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville, giving him a firsthand understanding of the region.
“We consider Sir Jerry to be extremely credible, is from the Pacific region, and commands the respect of both our governments,” they added.
The leaders noted that the scope of the moderator’s role would be broadened and flexible as needed.
“We have conveyed our request directly to Sir Jerry. There is an administrative process to follow, but we look forward to working closely with Sir Jerry and the UN in supporting our two governments in navigating a mutually successful conclusion to the Bougainville peace process,” Marape and Toroama emphasised.
